New York Attorney General Letitia James announced over $7.4 million for the Finger Lakes region from a historic $462 million multistate settlement with JUUL Labs Inc. (JUUL) to combat the youth vaping epidemic. New York state will receive a total of $112.7 million through this settlement, which will be distributed to every county, Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), and the five largest cities in the state to support programs aimed at reducing and preventing underage vaping.
“JUUL preyed on young people across our state by putting addictive products into their hands and convincing them that they were harmless,” said Attorney General James. “Their actions put a generation of children at risk, fueling physical and mental health problems among young New Yorkers. As a result of my office’s historic settlement with JUUL, leaders in the Finger Lakes region will now have over $7.4 million to invest in anti-vaping efforts to curb the youth vaping epidemic.”
The funds will be allocated as follows:
Counties:
- Genesee County: $366,507.72
- Livingston County: $345,540.78
- Monroe County: $2,293,677.54
- Ontario County: $530,263.71
- Orleans County: $275,118.86
- Seneca County: $236,510.67
- Wayne County: $481,411.55
- Yates County: $225,004.21
School Districts / BOCES:
- Rochester City School District: $412,822.79
- Genesee Valley BOCES: $330,959.99
- Monroe 1 BOCES: $693,247.82
- Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES: $492,990.85
- Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES: $551,361.10
After JUUL launched in 2015, e-cigarette use among New York high school students surged dramatically leading to more than 2,500 hospitalizations by 2019 due to severe vaping-related illnesses.
In November 2019, Attorney General James sued JUUL for its deceptive marketing practices targeting young people and secured the largest multistate agreement with JUUL in April 2023.
The settlement funds are designated for evidence-based measures including public education campaigns on e-cigarette use prevention among young people; community-based anti-vaping programs; cessation services; enforcement of vaping laws; and public health research into e-cigarette use effectiveness.
Additionally required changes for JUUL include refraining from youth-targeted marketing; limiting retail and online purchases per individual; performing regular retail compliance checks; treating synthetic nicotine as nicotine; refraining from providing free or nominally priced samples; excluding product placement in virtual reality systems; increasing funding for a document depository by up to $5 million.
Various local officials expressed gratitude towards Attorney General James' efforts:
“We’ve all watched as vaping... impacts children as young as 10 or 11 years old,” said Congressman Joe Morelle.
“Monroe County is dedicated... ensuring that our children are protected from harmful effects of e-cigarettes,” said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello.
“I applaud Attorney General James... securing funds to develop resources... prevent others from starting,” said Rochester Mayor Malik D Evans.
“The rapid rise in vaping among teenagers is a serious public health crisis...” said State Senator Samra G Brouk.
“E-cigarette companies took advantage... keep our children healthy and safe,” said State Senator Jeremy Cooney.
“This settlement will enable Monroe County... stop JUUL from continuing to negatively harm our families,” said Assemblymember Harry Bronson.
“Nicotine is addictive and harmful regardless of its delivery method...” said Assemblymember Sarah Clark.
“At a time when youth are facing unprecedented mental health challenges...” said Assemblymember Jen Lunsford.
“One in five high school students uses e-cigarettes...” said Assemblymember Demond Meeks.
“The dangers of vaping have become all-too clear...” said Monroe County Legislature President Yversha Román.
Education leaders also supported the initiative:
“Our mission extends beyond education...” stated Dan White Superintendent at Monroe 1 BOCES District.
“As District Superintendent for Wayne-Finger Lakes Region..." stated Lynne Rutnik Superintendent at Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES.
“The Vape Disposal Program Policy is critical tool..." stated Hannah Weltzer Health Promotions Manager American Lung Association.
Local medical professionals echoed these sentiments:
"Investing in our students’ health..." stated Dr Carmine Peluso Superintendent Rochester City School District.
"We are grateful for critical support provided by AG Letitia James..." stated Cynthia Elliott President Rochester City School District Board.
"Today marks an extraordinary day..." stated Victoria Beatham Program Director Uplift Irondequoit Project Coordinator DFC Project Coordinator Uplift Irondequoit."
"Vaping continues being major public health issue..." stated Holly Ann Russell MD Family Medicine Physician Medical Director Center Community Health Prevention University Rochester Medical Center."
Student voices also highlighted impact:
"I know having safe judgement-free environment schools supporting teenagers wanting stop vaping could make huge difference," commented John Collins impacted student."
Settlement was led by Senior Advisor Special Counsel M Umair Khan Assistant Attorneys Generals Hailey DeKraker Noah Popp Healthcare Deputy Bureau Chief Leslieann Cachola along other members Office NYAG Division Social Justice led Chief Deputy AG Meghan Faux Division Economic Justice led Chief Deputy AG Chris D’Angelo overseen First Deputy AG Jennifer Levy."