What Happened?
Cities and states are taking a stand against certain industries and practices that are causing more harm than good to public health.
Big Easy
New Orleans recently passed a ban on smoking in almost all public places as well as casinos and bars. The first violation of the ban would cost a citizen $100, followed by $200 for the second offense and up to $500 for the third if within a 12-month period, the Times-Picayune reported.
The legislation on the ban does not require the New Orleans Police Department to enforce the law. Instead, the protection of public places from smokers falls on the shoulders of local government agencies such as:
- Public health
- Parks and recreation
- Permitting
- Code enforcement
By eliminating police enforcement, lawmakers hoped the ban would act as a preventative measure to keep public spaces free of smoke, rather than an attack on individuals who choose to smoke. The overall goal is to have tools in place to protect residents and the workforce from second-hand smoke, the Times-Picayune reported.
New Orleans is one of many U.S. cities pushing tighter restrictions on smoking bans for a variety of establishments such as restaurants and bars. The New Orleans legislation, however, takes it a step further by preventing smoking in public places. The vague language leaves room for interpretation not yet displayed by other cities’ bans, the Times-Picayune reported.
Kentucky
Also striving to curb exposure to second-hand smoke, the Kentucky House of Representatives passed a ban on smoking in workplaces and indoor public places throughout the state. Despite the fact that Kentucky leads the nation in burley tobacco production, the legislation was able to pass, AP reported.
The debate over the legislation came down to whether individuals have the right to smoke despite the obvious public health concerns associated with the practice. Kentucky has some of the nation’s highest rates of smoking, cancer and heart disease underscoring the necessity of the legislation, AP reported.
LA
The Los Angeles City Council has banned alcohol ads from city-owned and controlled property. The ban aims to significantly reduce the amount of alcohol advertising presented in public where underage residents may be exposed to the messaging. The city hopes to curb underage drinking with the initiative.
The LA County Department of Public Health reported about $10.8 billion annually is attributed to alcohol-related crashes, violent crimes and deaths in the county. Because public property is used by residents on a daily basis – schools, recreation centers, libraries, bush shelters – they represent an opportunity to discourage underage drinking.
New York
Hydraulic fracturing is now banned in the state of New York due to the significant health risks associated with the practice. Despite the promise that fracking projects would bring much needed jobs to underserved communities, mounting research suggests the adverse health effects are not worth the economic boost, The New York Times reported.
According to a study conducted at Yale University, possible health risks associated with exposure to hydraulic fracturing include:
- Upper respiratory problems
- Skin problems and rashes
- Contaminated drinking water
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is currently conducting a study on the impact of hydraulic fracturing for oil and gas on local water resources. The results will include a full lifespan of water in the hydraulic fracturing process.
Related Stories
Strategy Behind the Vancouver Food Waste Ban Why Cities are Banning Plastic Bags, Bottles MA to Ban Commercial Food Waste