Sensible vaping laws

As a small-business manager in Spokane, it can sometimes feel like our elected officials aren’t listening to us here in Eastern Washington. This is especially true for the proposed federal regulations around e-cigarettes and vaping products.

As written, the FDA’s approach will send Washington small businesses and vape shops like ours down a blind path, without pausing to consider the voices of those who will be impacted the most. Luckily, 87 members of Congress – both Democrats and Republicans alike, albeit all from outside Washington – have stopped to listen and are working on a solution.

The Cole-Bishop Act addresses the gaps created by the FDA’s “Deeming Rule.” It goes further than the “Deeming Rule” in upholding transparency and preventing the sale of vapor products to minors, yet provides enough flexibility to avoid forcing small retailers out of business and uphold adult access to these proven tobacco alternatives.

For the members of the Washington congressional delegation who are listening: this approach is an important balance. While our state’s elected leaders focus on increased regulations, they must remember to pause and listen to the voices of those they represent.

Joey Blodgett

Spokane