EPA Denies Petition Calling for Lead Ammunition Ban

By Adrianna Iwasinski, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency denied a petition requesting a ban on the production and distribution of lead hunting ammunition, Friday.

Read a letter sent by the EPA to the petitioners explaining the rejection.

Environmental activists want to ban the manufacturing, processing and distribution of lead bullets, and fishing sinkers under the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976. Hunting groups and Second Amendment rights activists argue there are few alternatives and the EPA also lacks the authority to ban lead bullets and tackle.

Activists submitted a petition to the EPA earlier this month stating there are a variety of non-lead ammunition and tackle options and that there's no reason not to substitute with non-toxic options.

The Environmental Protections Agency is specifically prohibited from regulating ammunition or firearms under the Toxic Substances Control Act, but some argue toxic components can be regulated if there are non-toxic options.

Petitioners said they are not trying to regulate ammunition or firearms.

A ban would have a huge impact on ammunition and tackle since lead is the main component in almost all fishing weights and bullets.

The issue is all the talk at H & H Gun Range in west Oklahoma City. Owner Miles Hall said even though it is laughable, he said they are concerned if the ban on lead were to actually happen.

"It affects everyone. All military, all police, all gun owners," said Hall. "This could mean a ban on all ammo!"

Hall states though lead free alternatives do exist, there is a concern over their shelf life. He said most "green" ammunition is only good for six months to a year.

And then there's the cost factor.

Many gun owners said lead bullets are cheaper than most higher priced alternatives. Copper bullets can cost up to five times more. They say if the ban were to happen, it could price them out of sport shooting since it would be just too expensive.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation also argues there is no evidence that traditional ammo has a negative impact on wildlife. The group also said the lead ban would impact wildlife conservation, which falls under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The EPA will continue to formally review the second part the petition calling for a ban on lead in fishing gear. The EPA will consider comments that are submitted by September 15. Read more about the petition and submit a comment to the EPA.

Hall said he plans to submit his comments against the ban on the petition and is encouraging others to do so too.

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