WASHINGTON (AP) — Anti-smoking groups sued the U.S. government Tuesday over a long-awaited ban on menthol cigarettes, which has been idling at the White House for months. The lawsuit is the latest effort to force the government to ban menthols, which are disproportionately used by Black smokers and young people. It comes amid growing concerns from advocates that the federal plan could be derailed by election-year politics. Health officials under President Joe Biden initially targeted last August to publish the rule eliminating the minty flavor. Late last year, White House officials said they would take until March to review the rule. Three nonprofit groups, including Action on Smoking and Health, filed their lawsuit in a federal court in California after the March deadline passed. “Because of defendants’ inaction, tobacco companies have continued to use menthol cigarettes to target youth, women, and the Black community — all to the detriment of public health,” the groups state in their complaint. |
Active role of overseas Chinese hailed at eventChinese premier addresses opening of Summer DavosCPC leadership arranges work on flood prevention and relief, postXi's vision can serve as pillar of multilateralismXi: Advance prosperity of Chinese cultureRangers' reliever Burke breaks his nonWith so many prospects playing well in the minors, Orioles GM has some tricky decisions aheadXi leads China in boosting tech selfHKSAR to hold 7th district council ordinary election on Dec. 10Overseas experts hail Xi's notion of building modern Chinese civilization