Washington D.C. — Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden was recognized by the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) this week for his long-term commitment and leadership in reducing youth tobacco use.

As a five-term Idaho attorney general, Wasden is a leader on tobacco issues within the attorney general community. He was Chief Deputy Attorney General in the Idaho office when the national settlement with the tobacco industry – known as the Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) – was entered into with the tobacco industry, forever changing the landscape of America by restricting marketing and advertising of tobacco products, changing attitudes towards tobacco use – particularly among youth – and requiring annual payments from tobacco companies to compensate for the public health costs imposed on the states by the sale of cigarettes.

“There is no one more deserving of this recognition,” NAAG Executive Director and former Idaho Attorney General Chief Deputy Brian Kane said. “Attorney General Wasden is an inspiration. He has made a tremendous impact on public health across the country through his diligent focus on the dangers of smoking,”

Wasden was instrumental in building the blueprint that created the education and outreach efforts to educate youth and adults on the risks and dangers of smoking, serving on the Board of Directors of the Truth Initiative (then known as the American Legacy Foundation) for 10 years, two as Chairman.

During his tenure as Attorney General and a NAAG member, Wasden sponsored or co-sponsored at least 6 amicus briefs and 5 letters with his fellow attorneys general on numerous tobacco control issues including supporting public health laws designed to stop the sale of cigarettes through the mail, to provide new warning labels on cigarette packaging, and to ban flavored tobacco products that appeal to kids. He also served as Co-Chair of the NAAG Tobacco Committee for two years.

Attorney General Wasden’s biography can be found here.