Fairfax, Va.— The National Rifle Association strongly opposes a petition filed by the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ban lead ammunition in the United States.
This radical anti-hunting organization is incorrectly claiming that lead ammunition, the most commonly used ammunition by hunters and sportsmen, is a danger to wildlife and the rule it asks for is contrary to language in the Toxic Substance Control Act of 1976.
“These extremist groups are trying to ban bullets under a federal law that specifically doesn’t apply to ammunition. In addition, they are using false data and emotion instead of sound science to further their political agenda,” said Chris W. Cox, executive director of NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action. “The CBD is an anti-hunting organization attempting to assert its political relevancy at the expense of America’s hunters and sportsmen. The NRA will not allow the CBD to mislead the public about the effects of lead ammunition.”
The "scientific evidence" suggesting lead ammunition is taking a “horrific toll” on wildlife is bogus. While the population of our national symbol, the bald eagle, has been increasing according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the bald eagle is also being used as a “lead tragedy” by CBD and its allies. To achieve their political goals, they are deliberately concocting information to sway the opinions of policy makers.
Hunters and gun owners are the greatest contributors to conservation. In addition to volunteer efforts to improve habitat, billions of dollars dedicated to habitat and wildlife restoration projects have been generated through the payment of hunting license fees and excise taxes on firearms, ammunition and other hunting equipment. Groups like the CBD are attempting to eliminate all hunting by eliminating access to traditional forms of ammunition and public hunting lands. Their agenda is clearly to drive away hunters by mandating the use of costly ammunition they cannot afford.
“Hunting should not be an activity limited to the wealthy because every hunter, regardless of their tax bracket, is essential to sustaining America's sporting heritage,” concluded Cox. “The NRA will counter this deceptive attack on hunters and gun owners with sound science and the truth.” ?
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