I got this response today.
Dear Mr. Parker:
Thanks very much for getting in touch with me and letting me know what's on your mind regarding efforts to ban lead in fishing tackle.
I grew up hiking, hunting, and fishing in the Great Smoky Mountains, and I know how important these activities are to the people of Tennessee and our way of life.
In August 2010, a coalition of environmental groups petitioned the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ban all lead in fishing tackle and hunting ammunition under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). That same month, the EPA denied the proposed lead hunting ammunition ban because the agency does not have the legal authority to regulate ammunition under TSCA. However, the EPA is still considering the petition to ban lead in fishing tackle.
The EPA's evaluation of this petition should be made on the basis of sound science, taking into account both the economic and recreational impact of a ban. I look forward to carefully reviewing EPA's decision in this matter.
I'm grateful you took the time to let me know where you stand. As a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, I'll be sure to keep your comments in mind as this issue is discussed and debated in Washington and in Tennessee.
Sincerely,
Lamar