The Committee recommends concurrence as amended as follows:
Delete the three paragraphs after the first two paragraphs
Remove the word "further" from the last paragrah so that the petition reads:
Whereas, the Environmental Protection Agency of the United States (EPA) has established the health risks attributed to Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS), also known as second-hand, passive, or involuntary smoke; and
Whereas, EPA studies conclude ETS is responsible for lung deaths of
approximately 3,000 non-smokers in the United States each year;
and
Whereas, EPA studies conclude exposure to ETS causes other health
problems in adults, including coughing, phlegm production, and reduced lung
function; and
Whereas, in school systems within the United States, children suffer
from asthma, noted to be the fastest growing condition among children with ETS
increasing its severity as well as generating other risks; and
Whereas, the Clean Air Act does not encompass involuntary smoke in
public restaurants, a threat to the health of non-smokers;
Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 session of the General
Conference of The United Methodist Church go on record in support of any
federal legislative and administrative efforts to curtail or eliminate the
presence of ETS in public restaurants; and
Be it further resolved, that this action
encourage the inclusion of ETS prevention in the Clean Air Act and enable more
stringent laws by the states to supersede those of federal law, in this case,
specifically the Clean Air Act.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Calendar Item Text: 1675-NonDis1996 United Methodist General Conference