Tobacco Documents Online

. i THE TOBACCO INSTITUTE Pt3,5~t STNGf:'r. D C~)IYrl~11~It,s~r ROGER L. MoZiN~co W:15HIN~GT(9N. UC: 31)p)E)tt~ ScniocV~icc EPrt.,yidcM- 3lY_" 45i-4R0U •~ 800 ~, 4°4-9t47.fi State~A'rtiviticv. MEMORANDM February 5, 1988' TO: State Legislative Counsel FROM: Roger L. Mozingo RE: Toxics Legislation and Initiatives Enclosed is a copy of California Pro osition 65, the Safe Drinkin Water and Toxic Enforcement Act o 1986. Now ere in the act wi' you fin mention of to acco products. But as the enclosed newspaper clippings demonstrate, the regulatory procedure implementing Proposition 65 has targeted tobacco smoke and smokeless tobacco products for "warnings." The California law was approved through the state's initiative process. We know that environmentalist groups in other states are promoting similar measures both legislatively and through the initiative process. For instance: Hawaii H2118 would enact a "Safe Drinking Water and To s Enforcement Act." Tennessee S1821 would enact a "Safe Drinking Water and Toxics Enforcement Act." Washinqton Initiative 97 would regulate and tax azardous substances" as defined by the Departmnet of Ecology. Arizona S1127 would regulate and tax "environmentally a~zarcous products." Louisiana and Massachusetts bills were introduced in the 1987 session an are i e y to reappear in 1988. Oregon's Senate Majority Leader introduced such a measure in 1987, and there are rumblings of a possible initiative exported from California. The co-authors of Proposition 65 have also identified Arkansas, Colorado, Missouri and New York as states w ere simi ar measures wi=be consicTerea.

Toxics Legislation, page two In some cases, the sponsors of these proposals may have no sense of the far-reaching nature of their measures. The California experience makes clear, however, that broadly-written legislation will be used to regulate many industries, including food, cosmetics and other consumer products. In the past we have viewed hazardous materials legislation as a subissue of the workplace environment and indoor air quality issue. It is clear now that such measures can have a far more serious impact on the industry than requiring smokingg restrictions in business offices. It is vital that you notify us immediately of legislation or initiative Rroposals on this subject and send bill copies both to your Regional Vice President and to Cathey Yoe in headquarters. If you have any questions about this issue or its potential impact on the industry, please call your Regional Vice President. Enclosures cc: Regional Vice Presidents Regional Directors State Activities Staff