EPA Considering Ban on Traditional Ammunition -- Take Action Now
August 25, 2010
By Larry Keane
All Gun Owners, Hunters and Shooters:
With the fall hunting season fast approaching, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under Lisa Jackson, who was responsible for banning bear hunting in New Jersey, is now considering a petition by the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) - a leading anti-hunting organization - to ban all traditional ammunition under the Toxic Substance Control Act of 1976, a law in which Congress expressly exempted ammunition. If the EPA approves the petition, the result will be a total ban on all ammunition containing lead-core components, including hunting and target-shooting rounds. The EPA must decide to accept or reject this petition by November 1, 2010, the day before the midterm elections.
Today, the EPA has opened to public comment the CBD petition. The comment period ends on October 31, 2010.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) -- the trade association for the firearms, ammunition, hunting and shooting sports industry -- urges you to submit comment to the EPA opposing any ban on traditional ammunition. Remember, your right to choose the ammunition you hunt and shoot with is at stake.
The EPA has published the petition and relevant supplemental information as Docket ID: EPA-HQ-OPPT-2010-0681. If you would like to read the original petition and see the contents of this docket folder, please click here.http://www.regulations.gov/search/Regs/home.html#docketDetail?R=EPA-HQ-OPPT-2010-0681 In order to go directly to the 'submit a comment' page for this docket number, please click here.http://www.regulations.gov/search/Regs/home.html#submitComment?R=0900006480b3974b
NSSF urges you to stress the following in your opposition:
* There is no scientific evidence that the use of traditional ammunition is having an adverse impact on wildlife populations.
* Wildlife management is the proper jurisdiction of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the 50 state wildlife agencies.
* A 2008 study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on blood lead levels of North Dakota hunters confirmed that consuming game harvested with traditional ammunition does not pose a human health risk.
* A ban on traditional ammunition would have a negative impact on wildlife conservation. The federal excise tax that manufacturers pay on the sale of the ammunition (11 percent) is a primary source of wildlife conservation funding. The bald eagle's recovery, considered to be a great conservation success story, was made possible and funded by hunters using traditional ammunition - the very ammunition organizations like the CBD are now demonizing.
* Recent statistics from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service show that from 1981 to 2006 the number of breeding pairs of bald eagles in the United States increased 724 percent. And much like the bald eagle, raptor populations throughout the United States are soaring.
Steps to take:
1. http://www.regulations.gov/search/Regs/home.html#submitComment?R=0900006480b3974b Submit comment online to the EPA.
2. Contact Lisa Jackson directly to voice your opposition to the ban:
Lisa P. Jackson
Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20460
(202) 564-4700
Fax: (202) 501-1450
Email: jackson.lisa@epa.gov
3. Contact your congressman and senators and urge them to stop the EPA from banning ammunition. To view a sample letter, click here. http://nssf.org/GovRel/news/traditional-ammo-sample-letter.cfm
Great Heads Up! A caveat here,when writing to EPA et al, do not mention any affiliation with Appleseed! Yes, you have a right to be proud of Appleseed, but mentioning the program and your membership could be seen as being politically active a move that could cost the programs 501(c)(3) status.
Tom
The above is not an attempt to practice law, or any other regulated profession. The above referenced is available by general researching general terminology.
BTW, if you don't take the time to drop the EPA and your elected reps a line about your views on this, you probably won't do anything if it becomes MUCH harder to do something.
All,
Isn't this what we preach to our shooters about? Getting off the couch. The 1 minute letters.
Time to put it into action!!
EEL
Just read this in the Weekly Standard too: http://weeklystandard.com/blogs/epa-reviewing-request-ban-led-bullets
Let's go everyone, write those letters and make those calls!!!
Update:
EPA Backed down and rejected petition to ban lead ammo.
For now.
"The price of freedom is eternal vigilance."
-- Thomas Jefferson
Source
http://politics.usnews.com/news/washington-whispers/articles/2010/08/27/epa-surrenders-to-nra-on-gun-control-issue-epa-rejects-attempt-to-regulate-lead-in-bullets-after-nra-protests.html (http://politics.usnews.com/news/washington-whispers/articles/2010/08/27/epa-surrenders-to-nra-on-gun-control-issue-epa-rejects-attempt-to-regulate-lead-in-bullets-after-nra-protests.html)
Good deal. Got this word right after getting my emails out. Is it just me or did it take anyone else a long time to upload comments to EPA site?
Guy
Here's the backing down story from Fox News:
"The Environmental Protection Agency has denied a petition filed by environmental activists seeking to ban lead in ammunition and fishing tackle, saying such regulation is beyond the agency's authority.
The agency's decision, announced Friday shortly after FoxNews.com published its report on the issue, sided with hunters and fishermen who had argued that the such regulations weren't allowed under the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976..."
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/08/27/epa-rejects-calls-ban-lead-ammo-fishing-tackle/?test=latestnews
TE
This is my response to the EPA....
(http://www.gravatar.com/avatar/23971e49283e0848479a349c86913f5d?s=80)
IMHO the several States should practice nullification and manufacture lead based ammo that
is to be sold only in that State. Hence sidestepping the mis-applied commerce clause by the
Feds,
Good blog piece on this topic:
http://davegj13.wordpress.com/2010/08/27/gimme-back-my-bullets/ (http://davegj13.wordpress.com/2010/08/27/gimme-back-my-bullets/)
Gimme Back My Bullets
Posted on August 27, 2010 by Dave Johannes| Leave a comment
Working through the backdoor, radical leftist groups, the administration, the EPA and Regulatory Czar Cass Sunstein are carefully designing regulations to control the use of lead in products. While we all recognize the dangers associated with the use of lead in some products there is a hidden agenda in this effort.
The real target in this effort maybe unlegislated gun control. Using environmental concerns as their launching pad several environmental groups are asking the EPA to ban bullets, lead shot and even fishing sinkers claiming they contaminate the environment. The proposal relies on support from studies which claim that lead shot, ammo, sinkers, etc are killing animals that eat the lead fragments or other animals that were shot and contaminated by the ammo that killed them. These groups are citing the Toxic Substances Control Act as the vehicle to create these regulations.
The proposed regulations are a stretch and conflict with existing language within the act. There also is no precedent for the EPA to involve itself in regulations that interfere with second amendment gun rights. The NRA has already weighed in on this sending the EPA a letter pointing out that they are overstepping their authority.
You have to give these guys credit for creativity. If you can't implement gun control legislation due to a lack of support then go after the ammunition on the basis of lead and render the guns useless. While there maybe alternatives to lead most would fall into the category of military grade ammunition such as the armor piercing variety which would create safety issues for law enforcement so that would also be shot down (no pun intended).
Fundamental transformation is underway! It is time to stop it in its tracks!
Restore the Republic, Reject the Agenda of the Progressive Left!
"The maintenance of the right to bear arms is a most essential one to every free people and should not be whittled down by technical constructions". -- North Carolina Supreme Court, State v. Kerner (1921)
"The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyrany in government". -- Thomas Jefferson
"Crisis is the rallying cry of the tyrant". -- James Madison
While it's my understanding that the EPA's charter also doesn't allow them any perview over ammunition content - though it DOES apply to content in fishing tackle (lead weights, sinkers, etc) - and they have rejected the petition to ban all lead ammunition, let us not forget just how underhanded and determined this administration can be.
Long story short, don't start the party yet. If I know Ms. Jackson, she will find a way - no doubt with the aid of WH lawyers - to bring this issue up again. And I wouldn't be surprised if it were sooner rather than later. After all, they think we're all focused on the fall elections. So, don't let down your guard just yet.
"No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation." ~ Gen. Douglas MacArthur
If we just got back to basics such as following the Constitution we would not have a problem
as ALL of the alphabet soup agencies are blatantly unconstitutional on many levels.
First of all the feds are not empowered to create such monstrosities by the constitution.
Secondly they act as all 3 branches of government (i.e. writing law, enforcing law, interpreting law)
Clearly violating the separation of powers.
The trials for treason (of the congress and the agencies themselves) should start soon if the American
would quit taking their fluoride.
The potential lead ban was and is a serious concern for me. This topic is not dead, other methods are certain to be persued, thus we should keep a watchful eye on the decision makers.
But this is not an Appleseed responsibility, instead this responsibility lies in the hands of awakened Americans.
How can we reach more Americans and get them off of the couch?
Do your neighbors know the significance of April 19, 1775 and how it should be part of their lives?
What can be done to get your friends and relatives to an Appleseed?
These are the things that need your attention. Keep up your efforts, it is not yet time to rest.
I'm impassioned about this single issue as most on this forum, but let's keep a simple thought in mind...be cognizant of where we post things like this. There are sections of the forum viewable to anyone, and there are areas with restricted access. Think about it. Let's not fall into the trap of becoming our own worst enemy.
As for the EPA's statement of not having authority to deal with this--rubbish! They pick and choose their battles selectively. They didn't want to tread into these waters; perhaps due in part to the efforts of our organization. We don't take on single icebergs, but I sense we are changing the climate. 8)
I understand where you are coming from....
Yet I am not a slave that must watch my language in fear of
upsetting my masters.
It is my strong conviction that acting in such a manner only brings on more
usurpation's.
Titiger, no hard feelings against you or anyone who posted on this thread. Now that you made this statement, and I'm sure you meant it:
QuoteI understand where you are coming from....
I'll add this...there are no "slaves" or "masters" in the RWVA or what it represents. We operate in a fashion "as wise as serpents, and as harmless as doves".
I can assure you that myself and many others here will not become a slave to anyone, or anything. We have a mission in progress to save this nation, and we do it in a very sane manner, suitable to accomplishing said mission. Common sense plays a very key role in the entire process...look at my sig line. :cool2:
Quote from: tittiger on August 27, 2010, 11:45:46 PM
IMHO the several States should practice nullification and manufacture lead based ammo that
is to be sold only in that State. Hence sidestepping the mis-applied commerce clause by the
Feds,
ive been wondering why we dont / what it would take to get groups going in the states practising just that in all industries.
what would it take to get some people together to start an independent car plant in your state, selling in your state.
food grown in, sold in state
tools in house
electronics in house
etc etc
how hard would it be? we dont have to re invent the wheel. so many great things are open source now, other people have engineered it, we would just have to assemble it.everyone could call nullification, truly exert freedom thru diligence. it would solve the many problems of jobs, money, dependence on foreign entities. it would truly exemplify the american idea of creating value. the founders in their time were able to rally up as states via representatives to establish independence in their communities. today with communication being so front and center, we should be able to further bring it on home and establish independence as individuals, which was always the american ideal, which is now so close at being realized.
i dont mean to get off topic, have just always been wondering how to wake people up to those ways of saving america.
Is this the same EPA that petitioned the Supreme Court to have carbon dioxide listed as a pollutant?
If memory serves me correct -- the SC agreed with EPA :(
My info is the EPA backed down on lead ammo ban O0 Thanx to everyone who helped shut this down!
JA
O0
Additional sources, Fishing Tackle is also included.
"EPA Says it Won't Ban Lead Hunting Ammunition, Denies Petition" FindLaw's Common Law: EPA Says it Won't Ban Lead Hunting Ammunition, Denies Petition. Retrieved Sep. 3, 2010, from Web site: http://commonlaw.findlaw.com/2010/08/epa-says-it-wont-ban-lead-hunting-ammunition-denies-petition.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+FindLawsCommonLaw+%28FindLaw%27s+Common+Law%29
And Fox News (may be in a previous post) but just in case:
"EPA Rejects Calls to Ban Lead in Ammo Published August 27, 2010 | FoxNews.com" FOXNews.com - EPA Rejects Calls to Ban Lead in Ammo. Retrieved Sep. 3, 2010, from Web site: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/08/27/epa-rejects-calls-ban-lead-ammo-fishing-tackle/
This EPA & Lead debate in ammo resurfaces about every 5-6 years, so we may be good for now. These articles may be helpful if a range near you is being reviewed for closure- 7th Stepping of a different nature for you.
Tom
EPA --How do You spell USURPATION! >:(
Would be nice to make EPA funding a campaine issue .
Keep bailing and using the illinois targets and those topics could be a reality 8)
JA
TY Tom for the info