The American Heart Association has publicly denounced a lawsuit filed by the American Beverage Association and its allies against the city of Santa Cruz, challenging the city's recently implemented sugary drink tax. The tax, which amounts to two cents per fluid ounce on sugary beverages, was approved by voters in November 2024 and became effective on May 1. Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association, labeled the lawsuit as another attempt by the beverage industry to prioritize profits over public health.
Brown highlighted the industry's history of opposing measures aimed at reducing sugary drink consumption, including a secretive 2018 deal that imposed a 12-year moratorium on such taxes in California. This moratorium was later found unconstitutional in 2023, paving the way for Santa Cruz's tax. The American Heart Association supports the tax as a critical tool in the fight against heart disease, stroke, and Type 2 diabetes, diseases exacerbated by excessive sugar consumption.
The lawsuit represents a significant challenge to public health initiatives, with the beverage industry arguing against the tax's legality. However, the American Heart Association and health advocates view the tax as a necessary step towards reducing the health and economic burdens associated with sugary drink consumption. The outcome of this legal battle could have far-reaching implications for similar public health measures across the United States.
