From state houses to Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., industry groups have been extremely busy this year educating politicians and working constructively to promote our industry’s message of responsible UV exposure.

Both the American Suntanning Association (ASA) and the Indoor Tanning Association (ITA) have been active in advocacy  efforts. In October, the groups issued a joint-announcement that they will cooperate to maximize resources and avoid any unnecessary duplication of services.

Under-18 teenage tanning ban bills popped up in 31 states this year, driven by well-armed anti-UV opponents like the American Academy of Dermatology Association and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.

The ASA formed in 2012 and has emerged as a salon-driven organization to promote the industry’s vision of our role in responsible and balanced sun care. The ASA invested more than $1 million into research and advocacy at the state and federal levels in its first year alone — fully funding a consolidated information-based lobbying response to bills introduced in all 31 state houses.

Political opposition to teenage access to tanning salons is stronger and better funded than ever. ASA’s efforts have focused on educating lawmakers that science exists ti support a balanced message and approach to all UV-related policy.

The ITA, founded in 1999 to represent the interests of every indoor tanning market segment, has renewed its focus on Washington, D.C. — with major issues facing the market at both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Click here to read the entire article in the latest issue of Smart Tan Magazine online.