Headquartered in Washington, D.C., PTC is strategically positioned at the center of federal policymaking. Our team actively engages with key national decision-makers while also working in close coordination with state-level advocacy specialists to ensure strong representation for the pipe tobacco industry across all levels of government.
In Washington, DC and in State Capitols
Our member companies are impacted by public policies at all levels of government. We are proactive with devising strategies to deal with challenges to the pipe tobacco industry. We have a network of federal and state government relations professionals who advocate for our members in Washington, D.C. and in the states. We actively monitor, track, identify, and act on the legislative issues, regulations, and tax laws that matter most to our member companies and the pipe tobacco industry.
Our goal is to ensure that there is always a strong and growing pipe tobacco industry.
Federal Priorities
The Pipe Tobacco Council and its advocacy teamwork with federal regulators to ensure fair and equitable treatment of the pipe tobacco industry. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began regulating cigars in 2016. This has also impacted the pipe tobacco industry. The Pipe Tobacco Council has worked closely with the Cigar Association of America since the FDA regulation began with the goal of ensuring that both of our industries are able to continue providing consumers with the pipe tobacco and cigar products that they enjoy.
State Priorities
Priorities in the states for PTC include monitoring and tracking any legislation or tax proposals that may impede member companies from freely doing business in a particular state. As needed, PTC is ready to act to protect the members, consumers, and the industry.
PTC has advocacy specialists in 47 states working to protect the best interests of our members and the industry. We have a staff team that works closely with the entire team of lobbyists across the country and in Washington, DC.
How We Protect and Advance the Industry
Regulatory Issues
PTC works with federal regulators to ensure fair and equitable treatment of the pipe tobacco industry. In addition, we:
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- Track regulatory issues
- Educate PTC members on onerous federal regulations
- Advocate for change in the federal rulemaking process
- Push for deregulation of the pipe tobacco industry
- Oppose new job-killing and industry-limiting regulations
Federal
PTC promotes the pipe tobacco industry’s interests, goals, and policies by engaging federal lawmakers using various methods, including:
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- Educate Members of Congress
- Organize advocacy campaigns to encourage individuals to take action
- Craft and circulate policy briefs
- Monitor and track new federal legislation
- Build relationships with key stakeholders
- Keep PTC members apprised of the latest data and analysis
- Engage in fundraising and political activities to support candidates who align with PTC’s goals
State & Local
State and local legislation, regulations, and tax policies often negatively impact the pipe tobacco industry. In the states, we’re engaged in the following:
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- Develop and distribute concise policy summaries to inform decision-makers
- Stay informed of newly proposed state and local legislation
- Establish connections with stakeholders to advance our objectives
- Ensure members remain up-to-date on the most current research
- Organize grassroots advocacy efforts to affect change