Youth use of e-cigarettes tripled from 2013 to 2014, and the product is now used by kids more than regular cigarettes.

But the House Appropriations Committee – of which Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-1st District, is a member – is considering grandfathering in e-cigarettes, little cigars and other products at the request of the tobacco industry.

Grandfathering these products would prevent the Food and Drug Administration from making sure products meet quality standards and don’t increase the number of youth who use them.

I ask Rep. Pingree to oppose this provision and instead act to protect our kids. Congress should not give a free pass to the tobacco industry and open the door indefinitely to them to use candy-flavored products and other tricks to hook our kids on tobacco.

Jeff Seyler

president and CEO, American Lung Association of the Northeast

Portland

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