Thank you for contacting me concerning the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and lead in hunting ammunition and fishing tackle. I appreciate learning the views of my friends and neighbors in Hampton Roads and on the Eastern Shore, and I value your input.
On August 3rd, 2010, a handful of environmental groups submitted a formal petition with the EPA to ban lead in hunting ammunition and fishing tackle under the Toxic Substances Control Act. However, on August 27th the EPA denied the petition saying that it does not have the legal authority to institute such a ban.
Supporters of the ban assert the lead being left in the wilderness and in the water is ingested by wildlife and is needlessly killing animals. However, opponents of the ban claim it is an assault on Second Amendment rights and would lead to a skyrocketing increase in cost of fishing tackle, hurting thousands of small businesses across the country.
Currently, there are alternatives to using lead fishing tackle but the decision to use it is left to the fisherman. As the debate about using alternative metals in ammunition and fishing tackle continues to evolve, I will make certain to follow its progress closely and I will factor your recommendations into the decisions I make.
Thank you again for expressing your views. I am proud to serve Virginia's Second Congressional District, and I am committed to working hard for you. If you would like more information about the issues I am working on in Congress, or if you would like to sign up to receive my monthly e-newsletter, I encourage you to visit my website at
Congressman Glenn Nye : Home.
Sincerely,
Glenn Nye
Member of Congress