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.
Official resigns after guilty plea to drug conspiracy in Mississippi and North Carolina vape shops
Türkiye calls for greater defense cooperation with Germany
Simbine upstages Coleman and Kerley to win 100
Kyle Busch win the pole for NASCAR Cup race at Dover Motor Speedway
Judge delays murder trial for Indiana man charged in 2017 slayings of 2 teenage girls
Purrfect place to hide! Brain teaser challenges you to spot the cat among all the ice cream cones
Vitality of traditional Chinese culture shines in museum
Mississippi Senate agrees to a new school funding formula, sending plan to the governor
Bellinger returns from broken ribs, giving Cubs' lineup a big boost
Nico Williams racially abused by fans as his Athletic loses at Atletico in fight for CL spot
Alves granted €1m bail after sexual assault conviction
Eagles GM Howie Roseman is confident in his early