Dear
Mr. Dussault,

 

    
Thank you for contacting me regarding the Environmental Protection Agency's
(EPA) regulation of lead used in hunting and fishing equipment.  As always, I
value your input and strive to keep you updated on the important issues facing
us today.

 

    
As you may know, on August 3, 2010, several petitioners wrote to the EPA asking
for a ban on the manufacture, processing and sale of lead for shot, bullets and
fishing sinkers.  The EPA is required by law to respond to any petition within
90 days.  On August 27, 2010, the EPA stated that they do not have the authority
to ban the use of lead in shot and bullets.  On November 4, 2010, the EPA denied
the petition banning the manufacture, use and processing of lead in fishing
gear.

 

    
On April 14, 2011, Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) introduced the Hunting, Fishing and
Recreational Shooting Protection Act (S. 838).  Specifically, S. 838 would amend
the Toxic Substances Control Act to prohibit the EPA from regulating lead in
shot, bullets and recreational fishing equipment.

 

    
Currently, S. 838 is under review by the Senate Committee on Environment and
Public Works, of which I am not a member.  Should this or related legislation
come before the full Senate for debate, I will review it with your concerns in
mind.

 

    
Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts with me.  If you have any additional
questions or comments, please feel free to contact me or visit my website at
http://www.scottbrown.senate.gov.