WASHINGTON -- Monday President Barack Obama signed sweeping new tobacco regulations into law that give the Food and Drug Administration new powers to control what's in cigarettes. The president called it a boon for public health, but what does it mean for North Carolina's top crop?

North Carolina Sen. Richard Burr said there's no question it will hurt the tobacco industry in the long term.

"Whatever transition the industry makes, will probably be a small transition at first, but in the future has a devestating impact on the overall growth of tobacco," Burr said.

The new law bans appealing flavors and advertising near schools, requires bigger warning labels and gives the Food and Drug Administration unprecedented control over what goes into cigarettes.

"It is a law that will reduce the number of American children who pick up a cigarette," President Obama said at a White House ceremony on Monday. "And most importantly it will save American lives and make Americans healthier."

Burr said he fought the bill for farmers but also because he doesn't believe it will benefit public health. He thinks it overburdens the FDA and makes it difficult for new, healthier products to get to market.

Most of the North Carolina delegation voted "no" on the bill. North Carolina democrats Sen. Kay Hagan, Rep. Heath Schuler and Rep. Larry Kissell all broke with their party to vote against it. Charlotte Congressman Mel Watt voted to pass it.

Burr said the hope right now for the North Carolina tobacco farmers lies in growing demand overseas. Already more than half of the state's crop is exported and the new law doesn't have jurisdiction over that market.

"I'm convinced the international market will be as fruitful for North Carolina tobacco farmers as the domestic market has been," said Burr.