Recent Press Releases

Thune, Klobuchar Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Prevent Unnecessary EPA Regulation of Ammunition and Fishing Tackle

Bill excludes ammunition and fishing tackle from TOSCA, leaving regulation to the states

January 21, 2015

Washington, D.C. — 

U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) today introduced legislation to prevent ammunition and fishing tackle from unnecessary Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulation. The Hunting, Fishing, and Recreational Shooting Protection Act excludes ammunition and fishing tackle from the Toxic Substances Control Act, leaving regulation up to state fish and game agencies and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which currently regulate ammo and tackle.

“I was pleased to help secure a provision in the fiscal year (FY) 2015 appropriations bill to ban the EPA from regulating lead in ammo and tackle for the remainder of FY 2015, but that’s just a start,” said Thune. “To prevent the EPA from moving forward in the future with extreme and unnecessary regulations on certain ammunition and fishing tackle, Congress must pass legislation preventing a future federal regulation that could price sportsmen and women out of the market. I am committed to ensuring that generations of South Dakotans are not unnecessarily restricted from hunting, fishing, and enjoying the great outdoors, and will continue to push for consideration of this legislation by the full Senate.”

“Hunting and fishing are not only important to Minnesota’s economy – they’re also a cherished part of our state’s heritage and identity,” Klobuchar said. “This commonsense, bipartisan bill will prevent unnecessary regulation and ensure that our state’s sportsmen can enjoy the great outdoors as they’ve done for generations.”

 

According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, 95 percent of ammo currently manufactured is made with lead. Steel shot is also significantly more expensive than lead shot, and can cost as much as 25 percent more per case.

Currently, regulation of lead in hunting ammunition and fishing tackle is left to the states. In addition, the federal government also already regulates the use of lead ammo for hunting on federal property, including Fish and Wildlife Service and Army Corps of Engineers land.

The legislation is supported by The National Shooting Sports Foundation, Safari Club, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, and other hunting and fishing groups.