Preemption

Preemption refers to the ability of a higher level of government to legally prevent, or preempt, a lower level of government from acting. While preemption may lead to a strong, uniform standard, it may also stifle policy innovation, leaving state or local governments with little room to experiment with laws intended to address their unique needs. Center faculty have researched and analyzed the effects of preemption on public health.

Selected Publications:

• Tung GJ, Vernick JS, Stuart EA, Webster DW. Political factors affecting the enactment of state-level clean indoor air laws. Am J Public Health. 2014;104(6):e92-e97.
• Rutkow L, Pomeranz JL, Rodman SO. Local governments and the food system: innovative approaches to public health law and policy. Annals Health Law. 2013;22(2):355-372.
• Rutkow L, Vernick JS, Hodge JG Jr, Teret SP. Preemption and the obesity epidemic: state and local menu labeling laws and the nutrition labeling and education act. J Law Med Ethics. 2008;36(4):772-789.
• Pomeranz JL, Teret SP, Sugarman SD, Rutkow L, Brownell KD. Innovative legal approaches to address obesity. Milbank Q. 2009;87(1):185-213.