HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania received failing and near-failing grades across nearly every major tobacco control category in a new national report, prompting warnings that the state is falling dangerously behind as federal anti-tobacco efforts weaken.
The American Lung Association’s 24th annual State of Tobacco Control report, released this week, graded all 50 states and the District of Columbia on policies proven to reduce tobacco use and save lives. Pennsylvania earned Fs in three of five categories and Ds in the remaining two, a performance the organization said leaves communities vulnerable as tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable death.
More than 22,010 Pennsylvanians die each year from tobacco-related illnesses, according to the report.
In the 2026 assessment, Pennsylvania received an F for funding state tobacco prevention programs, an F for the level of state tobacco taxes, and an F for ending the sale of flavored tobacco products. The state earned Ds for the strength of smokefree workplace laws and for coverage and access to services that help residents quit tobacco.
The Lung Association said the poor grades come at a critical moment. In 2025, federal tobacco prevention infrastructure was significantly weakened after a series of actions that reduced enforcement and staffing. Those changes included the near-elimination of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Office on Smoking and Health, deep staff cuts at the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Tobacco Products, and months-long delays in Congressionally approved funding.
As a result, tobacco control and quitline programs nationwide were pushed to the brink, with some states forced to scale back or suspend services.
“It is devastating to see the federal government largely abandon its tobacco control efforts,” said Elizabeth Hensil, director of advocacy for the American Lung Association in Pennsylvania. She said decades of progress in reducing tobacco use are now at risk and warned that states must act aggressively to fill the gap.
Despite receiving $1,264,300,000 from tobacco settlement payments and tobacco taxes, Pennsylvania currently funds tobacco prevention and control programs at just 14.5% of the level recommended by the CDC, the report found. The Lung Association is urging Gov. Josh Shapiro and state lawmakers to significantly increase funding, strengthen smokefree workplace protections, and end the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes.
The report also graded federal tobacco control efforts, giving the federal government a D for regulating tobacco products, a D for coverage of quit-smoking treatments, an F for federal tobacco taxes, and a B for federal funding of tobacco prevention and control. Federal mass media campaigns received an “Incomplete” grade due to a lack of available data.
The Lung Association said restoring strong federal leadership is essential but warned that, in its absence, states like Pennsylvania must take immediate, evidence-based action to reduce tobacco use and prevent avoidable deaths.
More information on the State of Tobacco Control report is available at Lung.org/sotc.
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