I'm on the Pro Staff for Radical Glow fishing products and received this forwarded email from them which was sent to them by Bass Pro Shops. Please read and voice your strong opinions against this proposal. Thanks, Bob
THIS CAME TO ME AS A VENDER OF BASS PRO.
BASS PRO SHOPS SENT THIS OUT .... VERY IMPORTANT.
There are many threats to the future of fishing, but presently there is a new attack that could be devastating to our sport unless we take immediate and decisive action. There is no time to wait, and that is why I’m contacting you today and asking you to let your voice be heard, before Wednesday September 15.
The Situation:
On August 23, 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was petitioned by The Center for Biological Diversity and four other organizations to ban all lead in fishing tackle under the Toxic Substances Control Act. This includes sinkers, jigs, weighted fly line, and components that contain lead such as brass and ballast in a wide variety of lures, including spinners, stick baits and more.
The petition was presented with the aim of reducing bird deaths caused by the ingestion of lead sinkers and jig heads; however a study conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service found that less than one percent of all waterfowl and other birds such as eagles are killed by lead sinker ingestion. In addition to the serious flaws as it relates to the biological impact of lead products in fishing tackle, the petition: 1. Grossly underestimates the economic impact of removing all lead from fishing tackle on the sport fishing industry and the American recreational fishing public. 2. Seriously overstates the availability and practicality of most alternatives to lead. 3. Downplays the health hazards that a ban would have on individuals who would resort to pouring their own lead products because commercially produced products may be banned in interstate commerce.
Please note, the EPA came to the conclusion in 1995 that no regulation of lead in fishing tackle was necessary, and nothing has changed to alter that conclusion.
How you can help:
The EPA has opened the petition for public comments and here are two simple steps to oppose this ban.
1. Officially submit your comments opposing this ban using the EPA’s comment page at www.regulations.gov A sample text can be found at www.keepamericafishing.org.
2. Go to www.keepamericafishing.org CLICK ON SEND LETTER .,., CLICK ON LEAD BAN ARTICAL and enter your zip code at the bottom of the page to voice your concern directly to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson and your letter also will automatically be copied to your two senators and House member
I urge you, fellow anglers and others in our industry to act today. Let your voice be heard…and thank you on behalf of America’s 60 million anglers, the future of our sport, and the wise conservation of our natural resources.
Sincerely,
John L. Morris
Bass Pro Shop Representative