The American Heart Association (AHA) has publicly criticized the American Beverage Association and its allies for filing a lawsuit against the city of Santa Cruz, challenging its recently implemented sugary drink tax. This tax, amounting to two cents per fluid ounce on sugary beverages, was approved by Santa Cruz voters in November 2024 and became effective on May 1, 2025. The AHA's CEO, Nancy Brown, has condemned the lawsuit as another attempt by the beverage industry to prioritize profits over public health.
The controversy traces back to 2018 when the beverage industry, facing multiple defeats at the ballot box, allegedly brokered a secret deal imposing a 12-year moratorium on sugary drink taxes in California. This move was seen as an effort to stifle local governments' ability to address public health crises like heart disease, stroke, and Type 2 diabetes through taxation. However, in a significant turn of events, the courts in 2023 ruled the penalty provision of this moratorium unconstitutional, paving the way for Santa Cruz to enact its tax.
Brown's statement underscores the AHA's unwavering support for measures aimed at reducing sugary drink consumption, a known contributor to obesity and its associated health risks. The organization argues that the beverage industry's legal challenge not only disregards the democratic will of Santa Cruz's voters but also perpetuates a cycle of preventable health care costs and premature deaths linked to excessive sugar intake.
The AHA's stance highlights a broader societal issue: the tension between corporate interests and public health initiatives. As the legal battle unfolds, the outcome could have far-reaching implications for other municipalities considering similar taxes as a means to fund health programs and discourage unhealthy consumption patterns. The AHA's call to action resonates beyond Santa Cruz, urging a reevaluation of how public health policies are shaped in the face of industry opposition.
