The Environmental Protection Agency has rejected a second petition by the Center for Biological Diversity to ban lead in fishing tackle under the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA). In 2010, the EPA denied a CBD petition to ban traditional ammunition containing lead components. Despite these favorable decisions, such bans are unwarranted due to lack of supporting scientific evidence that species populations are adversely impacted by use of these products. Such bans would also reduce hunter/angler participation and funding for conservation. Bipartisan legislation—the Hunting, Fishing and Recreational Shooting Sports Protection Act (S. 838/H.R. 1558)—has been introduced to prevent a federal ban on lead in ammunition and fishing tackle. The Outdoor Sports Protection Act (H.R. 1445) also has been introduced.—courtesy National Shooting Sports Foundation
