E.P.A. Denies Petition Calling for Lead Ammunition Ban

WASHINGTON - The E.P.A. today denied a petition calling for a ban on the production and distribution of lead hunting ammunition. E.P.A. sent a letter to the petitioners explaining the rejection - that letter can be found here: http://www.epa.gov/oppt/chemtest/pubs/sect21.html

Steve Owens, E.P.A. assistant administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, issued the following statement on the agency's decision:

"EPA today denied a petition submitted by several outside groups for the agency to implement a ban on the production and distribution of lead hunting ammunition. E.P.A. reached this decision because the agency does not have the legal authority to regulate this type of product under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) - nor is the agency seeking such authority.

"This petition, which was submitted to E.P.A. at the beginning of this month, is one of hundreds of petitions submitted to E.P.A. by outside groups each year. This petition was filed under TSCA, which requires the agency to review and respond within 90 days.

"EPA is taking action on many fronts to address major sources of lead in our society, such as eliminating childhood exposures to lead; however, E.P.A. was not and is not considering taking action on whether the lead content in hunting ammunition poses an undue threat to wildlife.

"As there are no similar jurisdictional issues relating to the agency's authority over fishing sinkers, E.P.A. - as required by law - will continue formally reviewing a 2nd part the petition related to lead fishing sinkers.

"Those wishing to review specifically on the fishing tackle issue can do so by visiting http://www.regulations.gov. E.P.A. will consider comments that are submitted by September 15."

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