Press Releases

Congressman Don Beyer joined Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Julian Castro and Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy this morning to announce HUD’s “Instituting Smoke-Free Public Housing Proposed Rule” requiring smoke-free policies in public housing.

“Smoking is the leading cause of preventable deaths in the U.S., especially for those living below the poverty line,” said Rep. Beyer. “Smoking in public housing increases the costs to everyone, including neighbors and children exposed to second hand smoke.  I welcome Secretary Castro and HUD’s decision and continuing efforts to make our public housing units safe, affordable, and healthy.”

The proposed rule would require public housing agencies (PHAs) to implement smoke-free policies in all units, indoor common areas, close proximity outdoor spaces, and PHA administrative buildings. HUD believes that banning lit tobacco products in these spaces would improve the health of residents and PHA staff members, reduce the risk of fires, and lower overall maintenance costs.