From U.S. news this AM:
In a swift and unexpected decision, the Environmental Protection Agency today rejected a petition from environmental groups to ban the use of lead in bullets and shotgun shells, claiming it doesn't have jurisdiction to weigh on the controversial Second Amendment issue. The decision came just hours after the Drudge Report posted stories from Washington Whispers and the Weekly Standard about how gun groups were fighting the lead bullet ban.
The EPA had planned to solicit public responses to the petition for two months, but this afternoon issued a statement rejecting a 100-page request from the Center for Biological Diversity, the American Bird Conservancy, and three other groups for a ban on lead bullets, shot, and fishing sinkers. The agency is still considering what to do about sinkers.
The decision was a huge victory for the National Rifle Association which just seven days ago asked that the EPA reject the petition, suggesting that it was a back door attempt to limit hunting and impose gun control. It also was a politically savvy move to take gun control off the table as the Democrats ready for a very difficult midterm election.
The NRA has spent two years tracking down rumors that the Obama administration wants to impose gun and ammo bans on the public, but hasn't found anything credible. While the lead ban was viewed initially as a substantial chance for the administration to move into challenging the Second Amendment, the swift rejection by the EPA settled concerns inside NRA headquarters today.
This is good news very good news.
ReplyDeleteVery good . wonder what they will try next ?
ReplyDelete.
ReplyDeleteJust remember, when an attack is going really well, it's an AMBUSH! We're up against smart, experienced, ruthless, well-connected, well-entrenched, unethical, unprincipled, lying bastards.
These guys are scared s---less about the November election. This should redouble our efforts to make sure we turn out and vote freedom first. Imagine what they will do if they think they can get away with it, Even though the NRA sometimes does what may appear to be counter productive things (read Harry Read), they really are our only shield between our constitutional rights and confiscation. Vote early and often... and donate to the NRA!
ReplyDeleteI stand corrected on Harry Reed! Seems the NRA came to their senses!
ReplyDeletehttp://onlygunsandmoney.blogspot.com/2010/08/nra-is-not-endorsing-harry-reid.html
Between the EPA dump and the Washington turnout, this was a day for optimisim! But don't let your guard down!!!
Its not over yet. If you go to the EPA website & read the decision, they are still taking comments & considering what action they may or may not take on lead fishing tackle. They only denied the part of the petition dealing with ammo.
ReplyDeleteHmmm I wonder if Barnes has ever considered making bass jigs & bank sinkers???
In addition to fishing weights, they're supposedly also going after lead wheel weights, which many reloaders use for their lead supplies.
ReplyDelete"settled concerns" ... for the moment.
ReplyDeleteThe funniest comment I've seen..
ReplyDelete* There is no scientific evidence that the use of traditional ammunition is having an adverse impact on wildlife populations.
Which is, I suppose, more diplomatic than what I would want to write, which would be more along the lines of
* There is anecdotal evidence that the banning of traditional ammunition would have an adverse impact on government bureaucrat populations.