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EPA Denies Petition for Lead Ammunition Ban

  • Aug 30, 2010

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency denied a petition calling for a ban on the production and distribution of lead hunting ammunition. The agency sent a letter to the petitioners explaining the rejection.

Steve Owens, EPA assistant administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, issued the following statement on the agency’s decision:

“EPA reached this decision because the agency does not have the legal authority to regulate this type of product under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) – nor is the agency seeking such authority.

“This petition, which was submitted to EPA at the beginning of this month, is one of hundreds of petitions submitted to EPA by outside groups each year. This petition was filed under TSCA, which requires the agency to review and respond within 90 days.

“EPA is taking action on many fronts to address major sources of lead in our society, such as eliminating childhood exposures to lead; however, EPA was not and is not considering taking action on whether the lead content in hunting ammunition poses an undue threat to wildlife.

“As there are no similar jurisdictional issues relating to the agency's authority over fishing sinkers, EPA – as required by law – will continue formally reviewing a second part the petition related to lead fishing sinkers.

“Those wishing to comment specifically on the fishing tackle issue can do so by visiting www.regulations.gov. EPA will consider comments that are submitted by September 15.”

Comments

Fri, Sep 3, 2010

I had more than my fair share of handling this subject matter as well as all the kids I grew up. Guess what ? We are all still here and in the best of health ! As a matter of FACT, so are our children. Seems quite evident to me that SOMEONE has entirely too much time on their hands !!!!!

Wed, Sep 1, 2010 NGH

I also grew up hunting and fishing. I worked for many years in a retail tire shop, exposed to lead weights used to balance tires. I have no idea just how many of these weights I handled over the years, but it was a lot. I am 71 years old, still able to get up every morning and go to work, play golf and fish every chance I get. I suppose I am one of the lucky ones.

Tue, Aug 31, 2010 mike Alabama

Growing up with guns in Alabama, we liked to hunt. But we also had sense enough not to expose our family and friends to lead if it could be avoided. It would make good sense if folks had access to non-lead ammo and fishing sinkers. We could still hunt and fish but would not have to worry about damaging our children or future generations. Anyone that says different is not patriotic and should go live in France.

Tue, Aug 31, 2010 Jed A. Peeler Ely, Nevada 89301

Dear Mr. Owens: Thank you for using common sense and existing reasonable law to prevent another attack on the Second Amendment and our hunting heritage.

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