Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus Member Introduces Legislation to Protect Ammunition and Fishing Tackle

September 29, 2010 (Washington, DC) – Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus (CSC) member and former Chairwoman, Sen. Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas, introduced S.3850 yesterday to protect lead based traditional ammunition and fishing tackle from a potential ban by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The Center for Biological Diversity, the American Bird Conservancy, the Association of Avian Veteranarians, Project Gutpile and Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility recently filed a petition to ban the production and sale of lead based ammunition and fishing tackle under the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) of 1976. Last month, the EPA denied the petition to ban the production and distribution of traditional ammunition.

This legislation clarifies that the components used in manufacturing shells, cartridges and fishing tackle are exempt from EPA regulation under TSCA.

“My bill simply clarifies that the components used in manufacturing shells, cartridges, and fishing tackle are exempt from EPA regulation under the Toxic Substances Control Act,” said Lincoln. “Taking this simple step will provide certainty to these critical industries and prevent EPA and activist litigators from dragging this issue out through the courts for years.”

Also, in the last few weeks the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, CSF and members of the American Wildlife Conservation Partners, and the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies wrote Lisa Jackson, EPA Administrator, urging the agency to reject a proposed ban on lead based fishing tackle.

“A federal ban on lead ammunition and fishing gear would have a major negative impact on the ammunition and fishing tackle industries and negatively impact wildlife conservation funding,” said Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation President Jeff Crane.

State fish and wildlife agencies are authorized to manage most of a state’s fish and wildlife, and therefore, closely monitor and address any local concerns about lead based ammunition and fishing tackle and any potential impacts on local species. 

“Wildlife management is the proper jurisdiction of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the 50 state wildlife agencies,” said NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel Lawrence G. Keane.