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.
French sports minister calls for sanctions after Monaco player tapes over anti
Archaeologists believe they've found site of Revolutionary War barracks in Virginia
More trouble in Belgium for Miami
Leonardo DiCaprio's girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti, 25, oils up for a racy Marc Jacobs campaign
Minnesota Uber and Lyft driver pay package beats deadline to win approval in Legislature
David Beckham details what inspired him to film his tell
California university president put on leave after announcing agreement with pro
Ben Whishaw lights up the Croisette as he joins his co
Celebrity birthdays for the week of May 26
The late Rev. Billy Graham is immortalized in a statue unveiled at the US Capitol