Tester: EPA decision to back off lead ban right call

Responsible safeguards needed to protect Montana's world-class fishing, Senator says

(U.S. Senate) – Senator Jon Tester, chairman of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus, released the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency today dismissed a petition to ban lead fishing tackle:

"Safeguards should always be in place to protect Montana's clean water and world-class fishing, but today's decision not to ban all lead tackle is the right call. Montana's anglers are responsible stewards of our clean water, and an outright ban on all lead tackle would hurt businesses that rely on our fishing industry."

Tester is the sponsor of the bi-partisan Hunting, Fishing and Recreational Shooting Sports Protection Act, which clarifies that fish and wildlife agencies, not the EPA, are in charge of ammo and tackle. This legislation is supported by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Safari Club International and the American Sportsfishing Association.

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