Lawmakers Propose Bill To Protect Sale Of Traditional Ammunition

Two United States Senators have teamed up to protect the rights of hunters and fishermen, proposing a bill that would update the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976.

According to FOX News, Senators John Thune (R-S.D.) and Jon Tester (D-Mon.) recently unveiled legislation that would limit the regulatory capabilities of the Environmental Protection Agency. The bill comes in response to a campaign by conservation advocates to ban the use of lead in ammunition and fishing tackle.

Thune and Tester said that a ban would lead to higher excise taxes on more expensive ammo, which could alienate many hunters and fisherman.

"The EPA's overreaching regulations in other areas are already negatively affecting jobs and businesses across the country, and I am committed to ensuring that ammunition and tackle do not become subject to arbitrary regulation," said Thune, quoted by the media outlet.

Some activists claim that the use of lead in ammo and tackle is poisoning the country's lakes, ponds and forests.

However, the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) argues that there is no scientific evidence proving that traditional ammunition is harming wildlife populations or their habitats.