Should Congress allow the sale of lead-based hunting tools and ammunition?
H.R. 615 seeks to restrict the Secretary of the Interior from prohibiting the sale of ammunition and fish tackle containing lead. Sponsor: Rep. Robert J. Wittman (Republican, Virginia, District 1)
View full bill text ➔
How do you feel?
Oppose
Support
Opponents say
• "Lead ammo kills birds long after being fired from a gun, [...] Banning toxic ammunition and fishing tackle in wildlife refuges is necessary for their long term survival as well as our own safety.”" Source: Sarah Greenberg, Audubon Vice-President
• "Lead-based ammunition is likely the greatest, largely unregulated source of lead knowingly discharged into the environment in the United States, [...] In contrast, other significant sources of lead in the environment, such as leaded gasoline, lead-based paint, and lead-based solder, are recognized as harmful and have been significantly reduced or eliminated over the past 50 years." Source: Researchers (Audubon California, Defenders of Wildlife, and the Humane Society of the United States)
Proponents say
• "I am happy to introduce the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2023, and I am appreciative of the vast support from my colleagues on this legislation, [...]As an avid hunter and angler, I find the Biden Administration’s attempt to restrict access for the nation’s sportsmen and women who use traditional lead fishing tackle and ammunition on federal lands and waters, to be upsetting. This wholesale prohibition will only serve to incumber our sportsmen’s ability to responsibly hunt and fish. The Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act prevents the Administration from banning lead ammunition and tackle on federal lands and waters, unless such a regulation is consistent with state law and supported by science. I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this legislation and continue to promote access to recreation for millions of Americans." Source: Rep. Robert J. Wittman (Republican, Utah, District 1).
• "The Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act is an important piece of legislation to uphold state wildlife management authority and to protect against baseless attacks on the use of traditional ammunition and fishing tackle, [...] Traditional ammo and tackle are often the most accessible and readily available method of take of sportsmen and women. This legislation takes a pragmatic approach to halting efforts to ban traditional ammo and tackle by following a science-driven process and requiring the support of the impacted state fish and wildlife agency. CSF appreciates Congressman Wittman’s continued support for America’s sportsmen and women." Source: Jeff Crane, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation President and CEO.
