EPA Denies Petition Calling for Lead Ammunition Ban

[RamboLiberal]

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today denied a petition calling for a ban on the production and distribution of lead hunting ammunition. EPA 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, EPA 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. EPA 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 EPA at the beginning of this month, is one of hundreds of petitions submitted to EPA by outside groups each year. This petition was filed under TSCA, which requires the agency to review and respond within 90 days.

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

[shadowrider]

1. Good n/t

[jmodden]

6. Tax don't ban

What would be wrong with a significant excise tax on ammunition?

[GreenStormCloud]

7. It would push up the price of ammunition. That's what would be wrong of it. N/T

[X_Digger]

8. We already pay 11% off the top.

A 'sin' tax on something constitutionally protected wouldn't fly (tried already for voting), now would it?

[jazzhound]

10. What would be the point of a significant excise tax

on ammunition?

I mean........other that the obvious F YOU to firearm dealers and owners?

[PavePusher]

13. What would be wrong...

with a significant tax increase on paper and pens....

[oneshooter]

38. Or computers and Internet use. n/t

[benEzra]

17. You mean like the one we already have? (n/t)

[Taitertots]

37. What would be wrong with a significant excise tax on bibles? n/t

[DissedByBush]

40. What would be wrong with bringing back the poll tax? n/t

[tularetom]

2. Happy to hear it but it won't have much effect on us here in CA

[virginia mountainman]

3. Boy, what a headline... One that tells much about the beliefs of the writer.

"EPA Surrenders to NRA on Gun Control Issue"

I thought it was about lead in the environment, NOT gun control??? Does this writer HOPE that the EPA ignores law? All this sort of thing does is prove that to some, it really is "any means necessary" to advance the failed policies of gun control advocates??

I don't think it matters at this point, this "Obama's EPA bullet ban" is ALL OVER the internet and news channels...

Much political damage is already done... This is how, an idiot, with an axe to grind, makes a "hail Mary" pass at banning something they "don't like" it don't have a prayer of passing, but they MUST TRY... Ends up being a huge "friendly fire" incident, upon Democrats who are doing their best to cling on to their seats in swing districts. The last thing they need to be doing right now is trying to convince "shaky supporters" is that "obama is not trying to ban bullets"....

Example...Amoung the HUNDREDS of news stories....

http://www.freelancenews.com/news/268243-epa-ponders-national-lead-bullet-tackle-ban

http://blogs.wvgazette.com/johnmccoy/2010/08/27/epa-ponders-ban-on-lead-ammunition/

http://www.theithacajournal.com/article/20100825/SPORTS/8250350/Outdoors+commentary++Group+seeks+lead+ammunition+ban

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5726574/epa_considering_banning_lead_bullets.html

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/08/27/conservationists-target-lead-ammunition-fishing-tackle/?test=latestnews

http://washingtonindependent.com/96040/republican-says-petition-to-ban-lead-bullets-is-attack-on-rural-america

http://www.lvrj.com/blogs/mitchell/EPA_petition_Guns_yes_bullets_no.html?ref=173

[shadowrider]

4. Gun control comes in many different names and causes. We must be vigiliant n/t

[white cloud]

5. More e turds generate by the RW Nut's

Track it down and you will see it is a hate generator from the RWNuts and the NRA.


Same thing as the brass for Black Hills. All a hoax to stir up there hate agenda. Then they come back and take credit for stopping it. Pull back the curtain on these jerks. If you see this shit email it to the white house and the debunk site. Call them out on forum if you see them.

Tommorow they will try to take credit for this shit they generate.


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://www.epa.gov/oppt/chemtest/pubs/Owens_Petition_Response.pdf

[X_Digger]

9. What 'hoax'?

Did a group not petition the EPA to ban lead ammo?

Did the DOD not order brass sold as scrap?

[friendly_iconoclast]

11. A pathetic attempt at rewriting history since the idea went over like a turd in a punchbowl

Of course the right wing is behind this, and they did it just to make anti-hunters look bad.

I've got some certified oil-free beachfront land in Louisiana for sale to anyone who believes that.

I've got a suggestion for you:

Why don't you show us how and when the wingers purportedly took over the following .orgs (the ones that petitioned the EPA)?

http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/news/press_releases/2010/lead-08-27-2010.html

For Immediate Release, August 27, 2010

Contacts: Gavin Shire, American Bird Conservancy, [phone]
Jeff Miller, Center for Biological Diversity, [phone]

EPA Denies Petition to Protect Wildlife From Toxic Lead-based Ammunition

WASHINGTON— Conservation groups expressed dismay today after a decision by the Environmental Protection Agency to deny a petition to ban toxic lead bullets and shot that commonly kill and harm bald eagles, trumpeter swans, endangered California condors and other wildlife. An estimated 10 million to 20 million birds and other animals die each year from lead poisoning in the United States.

“The EPA had ample evidence that lead bullets and shot have a devastating effect on America’s wildlife, yet has refused to do anything about it. It’s disappointing to see this country’s top environmental agency simply walk away from the preventable poisoning of birds and other wildlife,” said Darin Schroeder, Vice President for Conservation Advocacy at American Bird Conservancy.

On Aug. 3, American Bird Conservancy, Center for Biological Diversity, Association of Avian Veterinarians, Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, and the hunters’ group Project Gutpile petitioned the EPA to ban lead in bullets and shot for hunting, as well as fishing tackle. The petition referenced nearly 500 peer-reviewed scientific papers illustrating the widespread dangers of lead ammunition and fishing tackle. While the EPA is still considering the petition’s request for the regulation of lead fishing tackle, it denied the petition’s request regarding lead ammunition on the grounds that the Toxic Substances Control Act contains a specific exemption for lead ammunition.

“We strongly believe that the EPA has the clear authority and duty to regulate this very harmful and toxic substance as used in bullets and shot, despite the so-called exemption for lead ammunition that is written into TSCA. We had hoped they would take that responsibility seriously but we remain committed to making sure toxic lead is removed from the environment and we’ll redouble our efforts to see that through,” said Adam Keats, senior counsel for the Center for Biological Diversity....

Look, they've even snookered Rachel Maddow:

http://www.abcbirds.org/

Our Mission
ABC's mission is to conserve native wild birds and their habitats throughout the Americas.

Our Commitment
For eight consecutive years, ABC has been rated a 4-Star, "Exceptional" charity by the independent group Charity Navigator; a status achieved by fewer than 1% of all U.S. charities.


New York Benefit to Help ABC in Wake of Gulf Spill
On Sunday, August 29, 2010, MSNBC's Rachel Maddow will join Ira Glass (host of PRI’s This American Life) for an evening on stage to benefit ABC.

Noted comedians including Mike Birbiglia (Sleepwalk with Me), Michelle Collins (VH-1’s Best Week Ever), and Jamie Kilstein (Citizen Radio) will join acclaimed musicians Lucy Wainwright Roche, Barkuna, and Erin McKeown for an exciting line-up of comedy, music, and entertainment, hosted by Scott Adsit (30 Rock) and Christina Gausas (Adsit & Gausas)....

http://www.peer.org/about/index.php

About Us - Home

PEER is a national non-profit alliance of local, state and federal scientists, law enforcement officers, land managers and other professionals dedicated to upholding environmental laws and values.

Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) is a national alliance of local state and federal resource professionals. PEER’s environmental work is solely directed by the needs of its members. As a consequence, we have the distinct honor of serving resource professionals who daily cast profiles in courage in cubicles across the country.

Public employees are a unique force working for environmental enforcement. In the ever-changing tide of political leadership, these front-line employees stand as defenders of the public interest within their agencies and as the first line of defense against the exploitation and pollution of our environment. Their unmatched technical knowledge, long-term service and proven experiences make these professionals a credible voice for meaningful reform.

PEER works nation-wide with government scientists, land managers, environmental law enforcement agents, field specialists and other resource professionals committed to responsible management of America’s public resources. Resource employees in government agencies have unique responsibilities as stewards of the environment. PEER supports those who are courageous and idealistic enough to seek a higher standard of environmental ethics and scientific integrity within their agency. Our constituency represents one of the most crucial and viable untapped resources in the conservation movement.

Objectives of PEER


Organize a broad base of support among employees within local, state and federal resource management agencies.
Monitor natural resource management agencies by serving as a "watch dog" for the public interest.
Inform the administration, Congress, state officials, media and the public about substantive environmental issues of concern to PEER members.
Defend and strengthen the legal rights of public employees who speak out about issues concerning natural resource management and environmental protection. Provide free legal assistance if and when necessary....

All bought and paid for by the right wing, eh? I'll expect your evidence around, say, September 31st...

[tourivers83]

27. Such as this one.

“Despite the so-called exemption for lead ammunition that is written into TSCA.” Was this not put in by Congress to prevent any attempt to control ammo? :hi: :thumbsup: :popcorn: :rofl:

[PavePusher]

14. You sound "bitter and clingy". n/t

[Euromutt]

15. U.S. News & World Report is "a hate generator" for the right wing?

That would be news to me.

[SteveM]

24. Nothing generates "turds" more than the real thing:

(1) Several organizations petitioned to ban the production and sell of lead bullets;
(2) EPA denied the petition as being beyond its scope.

That's the REAL stuff generated.

You may note how the organizations seeking the ban wanted to ban all lead bullets; for some reason, the EPA classified the request in terms of "hunting" rounds. If the ban sought was universal, the action sounds very much like a pointed effort to get at citizen gun-owners. Any attempts to ban lead bullets should be supported by science (as lead shot shell bans for use in waterfowl hunting were). If the California Condor is threatened by ingesting lead bullets, then the science should speak to that and California can act to curb lead use, which it has, I understand.

General bans WILL draw opposition. And quickly.

[PavePusher]

32. Except for the part where there seems to be no supporting science....

At least no-one has been able to point to any.

[spin]

12. K&R Great news (or lack of news) (n/t)

[Euromutt]

16. Well, good thing I waited to submit a public comment

That would have been a waste of time.

[shadowrider]

18. In other words

"We seriously considered this action while no one knew about it. Now that it's gone viral and the backlash is overwhelming, we'll backtrack."

[Hoopla Phil]

34. That about sums it up.

[shadowrider]

36. I believe so n/t

[Euromutt]

41. Let's not be unnecessarily harsh on the EPA

The agency is required by statute (and indeed, the First Amendment) to take receipt of petitions from the public and consider implementing them. The agency itself has no control over the contents of a petition submitted to it.

In this instance, there's no evidence the EPA did anything but act entirely within its mandate: it took receipt of the petition, considered it for as long as it took to establish that the request contained therein fell outside the EPA's statutory authority (and that the measures it proposed were grossly disproportionate to the perceived problem), and then rejected it on those grounds. There's nothing the EPA could have legally done more cleanly.

[X_Digger]

42. It was the perfect response from them.

And I wrote a second comment thanking them for such swift action to clear up something that could have been part of a campaign to sway voters in the midterms.

[Paladin]

19. You DU Gun Enthusiasts Owe The EPA A Note Of Thanks.

You're off on yet another frothing, anti-left wing, undies-in-a-wad stampede over imagined firearms/ammunition restrictions---in other words, you're deliriously happy---a happiness you don't get from the pro-gun Supreme Court decisions. Send the EPA a nice thank you note, it's the least you can do---it'll be a nice change from all the rabid hate mail they're undoubtedly receiving from other Gun Enthusiasts these days....

[white cloud]

20. Thanks Palidin

Finally somebody understand the lies, hate and deceit RW NUTS are generating.:fistbump:

[SteveM]

26. Wanna see where a lot of the "lies, hate and deceit" started?...

Read The Great American Gun Debate by Kates & Kleck (both left-of-center), wherein they cite and footnote the expressions used by editorial writers, professors, academicians, and government leaders to describe tens of millions of gun-owners. The expressions remind me of the finger-painted stuff you'd see on the bathroom stalls of a courthouse bathroom.

I guess these high-brows felt dirty talk was OK as long as it was used to describe gun-owners.

Happy reading!

[jazzhound]

30. Well isn't this as rich as double chocolate cake!

Since the gun control movement has never had facts on their side, they've relied on hatred of guns and gun owners for decades to advance their Democrat-sabotaging cause.

The ignorance and dishonesty overwhelms.

[PavePusher]

31. Which "lies, hate and deceit"?

Please be specific...

[friendly_iconoclast]

33. "Deceit"? Like claiming something was a hoax when it wasn't?

You seem to have forgotten your earlier post wherein you did just that. Let me refresh your memory (emphasis added):

white cloud (571 posts) Fri Aug-27-10 09:34 PM
Response to Reply #3
5. More e turds generate by the RW Nut's
Track it down and you will see it is a hate generator from the RWNuts and the NRA.

Same thing as the brass for Black Hills. All a hoax to stir up there hate agenda. Then they come back and take credit for stopping it. Pull back the curtain on these jerks. If you see this shit email it to the white house and the debunk site. Call them out on forum if you see them....

This is what gun control at DU has been reduced to- Transparent untruths that would embarrass a North Korean news reader...

[spin]

22. While that may be true, we also owe the NRA a vote of thanks ...

EDITORIAL: Gun owners dodge the bullet ban
Leftist attempt to undermine Second Amendment misses the mark
7:30 p.m., Friday, August 27, 2010

The Supreme Court's recent McDonald and Heller decisions have thus far thwarted the gun grabbers' best efforts by upholding the individual's right to own firearms. Late Friday, the Environmental Protection Agency added another victory to the list as it shot down an attempt to undermine the Second Amendment through the regulation of bullets. On Aug. 3, the American Bird Conservancy and groups like Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility petitioned the Environmental Protection Agency to ban traditional lead ammunition as a "health risk."

Obviously, the argument was not that recipients of a 45-caliber slug might suffer from lead poisoning. Instead, these activists asserted that bullets weighing less than half an ounce might hit the ground and somehow poison the planet. It just isn't true. The Clinton administration's EPA looked into the issue and found no cause for concern. The claim that "lead based ammunition is hazardous is in error," EPA senior science adviser William Marcus wrote in a Dec. 25, 1999, letter. Lead on the soil surface "does not break down," he explained. It "does not pose an environmental or human hazard. ... In water lead acts much the same as in soil."

Even eating an animal that has been shot by lead ammunition poses no risk to human health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted blood tests on 736 hunters and reported in 2008 that lead ammunition produced very small changes in lead exposure, with concentrations well below CDC benchmark levels of concern.

***snip***

This time, however, the EPA did not make its decision on the merits of the argument. The agency instead agreed with an Aug. 20 filing from the National Rifle Association that explained how Congress had specifically excluded ammunition from the Toxic Substances Control Act which governs potentially harmful materials such as lead. This failed attempt to harass law-abiding gun owners using an unelected bureaucracy underscores the importance of perpetual vigilance in preserving the most important of constitutional rights.emphasis added
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/aug/27/gun-owners-dodge-the-bullet-ban/

[shadowrider]

23. Lends credence to my #18 n/t

[SteveM]

25. So "DU Gun Enthusiasts" are "anti-left wing?" Nice going there, Paladin. nt

[X_Digger]

29. You assume much.

Of course, the reality interferes with your culture war memes, so we can't have that, now can we?

[friendly_iconoclast]

35. "Imagined"? But the other 'expert' claimed it was real, albeit a put-up job.

The gun control crowd can't even keep their stories straight anymore.

Really, you people need to quit using these guys as role models:



"The petition to ban lead bullets was a false-flag operation to gin up support for the right wing."




"The petition to ban lead bullets was imaginary."

[Hoopla Phil]

21. Great news!

[Pullo]

28. Why can't everyone just use steel core ammo? ....... Oh wait nevermind n/t

[DissedByBush]

39. A regulatory agency recognizes its statutory limits

What a concept!

[Hoopla Phil]

43. To wrap it up succinctly: The EPA says "That's not our job".

Or "That's not our department". Either works just as well.