E-cigarettes to be banned under Oklahoma governor's executive order

Use of electronic cigarettes will be banned on state-owned and state-leased properties starting Jan. 1 under an executive order signed Monday by Gov. Mary Fallin.

Two years ago she signed a similar order against tobacco products, and lawmakers made that ban permanent earlier this year.

Fallin said she's trying to protect state employees and visitors.

“E-cigarettes release vapor that contains chemicals that can impact employees and visitors to state property,” she said. “Additionally, many electronic cigarettes look like traditional cigarettes and emit a vapor that looks like smoke. This creates confusion for employees and visitors, and presents enforcement challenges for state agencies.