I, Mary Fallin, Governor of the State of Oklahoma, by the authority vested in me pursuant to Sections 1 and 2 of Article VI of the Oklahoma Constitution, hereby direct and order as follows: In 2012, I signed Executive Order 2012-01, which prohibited the use of any tobacco product on any and all properties owned, leased or contracted for use by the State of Oklahoma, including but not limited to all buildings, land and vehicles owned, leased or contracted for use by agencies or instrumentalities of the State of Oklahoma. The goal of this Executive Order was to provide for a healthier work environment, encourage healthier lifestyle choices for state employees and protect visitors to state property. In the last couple of years, there has been an increase in the use of electronic cigarettes and vaping devices, including use in the work place and public places. While the popularity and use of these products has increased, we still do not know the potential long-term health effects associated with these devices. We do, however, know that the vapor produced from these devices can release chemicals such as nicotine and other tobacco related contaminants, including tobacco-specific nitrosamines and formaldehyde. Because the secondhand vapor contains chemicals, it can impact bystanders. Additionally, many electronic cigarettes and vaping devices look like traditional cigarettes and emit a vapor that looks like cigarette smoke. The similarity of these products to combustible cigarettes, which are prohibited on state property under Executive Order 2012-01, may create confusion for employees and visitors and present enforcement challenges for state agencies. On December 17, 2013, Secretary of Health and Human Services Dr. Terry Cline released a Public Health Advisory to consumers and advised using caution when using or considering using these e-cigarette and vaping devices. This is, in part, due to the reality that these devices contain and emit harmful chemicals, are currently unregulated, and pose known and unknown health risks to users and non-users alike. State and local laws and ordinances have been created to ensure clean indoor air for Oklahoma citizens in most places. The vapor emitted from these devices contains chemicals and toxins that undermine Oklahoma citizens' expectations of clean indoor air. Accordingly, over 100 worksites across Oklahoma have voluntarily prohibited the use of these devices on their property. Another 65 school districts have passed similar polices thereby protecting approximately 150,000 of our children while on school property. Therefore, the use of any electronic cigarette or vaping device shall be prohibited on any and all properties owned, leased or contracted for use by the State of Oklahoma, including but not limited to all buildings, land and vehicles owned, leased or contracted for use by agencies or instrumentalities of the State of Oklahoma. Provided, however, this Executive Order shall not apply to residents of Veteran's Affairs Residential Facilities while at those facilities. The Executive Order shall be distributed to all members of the Governor's Executive Cabinet and the chief executives of all state agencies, who shall cause the provisions of this order to be implemented by all appropriate officials and agencies of state government. The Oklahoma State Department of Health ("OSDH") and Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust ("TSET") will provide assistance to state agencies for implementing this order. The Executive Order shall be effective January 1, 2014. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Oklahoma to be affixed at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, this 23rd day of December, 2013. BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA Mary Fallin Chris Benge Secretary of State
|
