Hunting, Fishing and Recreational Shooting Sports Protection Act

Support S. 838 and H.R. 1558 - Help stop unreasonable bans on fishing tackle

Policy Alert from the American Sportfishing Association.

On April 14, the Hunting, Fishing and Recreational Shooting Sports Protection Act (S. 838 and H.R. 1558), was introduced by the chairs of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus - Senators Jon Tester (D-MT) and John Thune (R-SD) and Representatives Jeff Miller (R-FL) and Mike Ross (D-AR). The Act will prevent a federal ban on lead in recreational fishing tackle and help to ensure that any future regulations on fishing tackle are established based on scientific data instead of unjustified petitions.

Due in large part to industry and angler response, last November the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) denied a petition to ban lead fishing tackle under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Despite the EPA's ruling, this issue is not yet fully resolved. The groups who filed the petition are now turning to a lawsuit to force the EPA to ban lead fishing tackle and ammunition.

ASA is asking our members to rally behind legislation to ensure further bans are not possible. Please, contact your Members of Congress today urging them to co-sponsor S. 838 and H.R. 1558, the Hunting, Fishing and Recreational Shooting Sports Protection Act.

Sample message and legislative action center can be accessed at the American Sportfishing Association website