Thread: Possible Lead Ban

This is a big deal folks. Please check out the EPA sub-forum that Ed has put on the boards. A petition has been submitted to the EPA to ban lead in fishing tackle and ammo. The ammo portion has been thrown out but it is still in play for fishing. Some of y'all may already know about it if you get email from Cabela's. We only have until Sept. 15 to submit letters of protest before EPA makes a decision. There's a lot of info that we all need to pay VERY close attention to and take action ASAP. I posted a link to Keep America Fishing and all you have to do is put in your zip code and it will direct your letter/complaint directly to the EPA as well as your congressmen. There are over 12,000 members on crappie.com who need to make their voices heard right now.

I got a letter in the mail today from Rep. Jim Marshall's office as a reply to my concerns with the lead ban. I don't have it scanned in yet, but here is a quote from the letter dated Sept. 15, 2010:

"You may know by now, the EPA rejected the petition submitted by the Tucson-based Center for Biological Diversity (CBD). The EPA stressed that the agency did not have jurisdiction to consider the issue. If another government agency does accept this or a similar petition, I would expect a number of Members of Congress will oppose it."

Keep in mind this is a quote I typed from the letter I received. I have not had time to research it more to confirm the "fishing" part is off the table for now. I also got an email reply early this month from Senator Saxby Chambilss office and I am copying it here:

"Thank you for contacting me regarding the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and lead ammunition. I appreciate hearing from you.



On August 3, 2010, a number of groups submitted a petition to EPA under Section 21 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) asking EPA to "adopt regulations prohibiting the manufacture, processing, and distribution in commerce of lead shot, lead bullets, lead fishing sinkers, and other lead-containing fishing gear." In their petition, these groups claim that this lead ban is needed to protect human health and the environment.



On August 27, 2010, EPA issued a response denying the portion of the petition pertaining to lead ammunition, as the agency found that it does not have the legal authority to regulate this product under the TSCA. EPA also stated that it will continue to evaluate the petition request to regulate lead-containing fishing gear and will announce its determination once it has been reached.



I understand your concerns over this and other possible regulations issued by EPA. Should legislation regarding this issue come before the Senate, I will keep your thoughts in mind. "



If you would like to receive timely email alerts regarding the latest congressional actions and my weekly e-newsletter, please sign up via my web site at: www.chambliss.senate.gov. Please let me know whenever you believe I may be of assistance to you.

I do not believe this will be the end of the attack on lead in use by hunters and fishermen. I do know that lead was removed from our arsenal for waterfowl without much effort nor much resistance by hunters. The web now allows us outdoors men more access to learn and stand up for what we believe.

Keep reading and learning and be mindful of what is being done that will affect your rights in the future.