If anyone is interested, last Thursday, the EPA rejected the petition to ban all lead in fishing tackle. The EPA and members of Congress received around 43,000 angry letters (mine included), and wisely backed-down.
But, I don’t think this is over, yet. If they act true-to-form, be ready for this to come up again, probably tacked on to some amendment that has nothing to do with fishing, or outdoors, and no one will even notice it. The elections are over now, so be ready for more shenanigans from the Hill.
Like you I was glad they denied it as I do a lot of jig fishing. I’ve talked to a person at the EPA after I sent in my comments and tried to explain to them more clearly that it’s not just tackle that’s in the stores. We’re talking about folks who make it at home. Then I sent her a copy of different costs that home molders would incur if it changed. You would think with all the experts out there in metelourgy they could come up with a product that weighed the same, had the same melting properties and WOULD BE as cheap as, and be able to use my powder paint on it and I’d switch.
BUT!!! they don’t. and truthfully I don’t think anyone seems to even want to try.
Isn’t gold heavy?? Just sayin! LOL!!! Is it me or does it seem like the Feds always come after the little guy, because were easier to push around and scare the daylights out of. You’d think they’d have enough to do, with this Marcellus shale gas fiasco going on? I guess not!!
the feds came after nobody. the environmental and animal rights organizations filed this petition (the American Bird Conservancy, the Center for Biological Diversity and a coalition of conservation, hunting and veterinary groups). the feds for once did the right thing and rejected the petition in defense of the little guy. thing to remember is that this’ll come up again.
What about spent uranium, since it’s spent, it should be a little lighter, and also since it’s spent it’s safe. Right? LOL!!! We used to play (physically handle) mercury in Science class when I was a kid. It may be the reason for my weird sense of humor?
Wes - You are right, but, did not the EPA consider those wack jobs proposals, BEFORE they got the flood of mail, and THEN bowed out? Hmmm. I have no problem with giving credit, where credit is due!