If environmentalists fight for a ban on the use of lead in ammunition and fishing tackle out of concern for wild animals and their habitats, several u.s. lawmakers have rushed to defend the tools of hunters and fishermen with a new Bill to such items of regulation shield.

Sens. Jon Tester, D-Mont, and John Thune, R-s.D., co-chairs of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus, unveiled this week legislation to clarify the long-standing exemption of munitions and associated parts under the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976, which allows the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate "chemicals" under certain circumstances.

Having regard to fiscal revenue as justification, say the legislators that a ban would lead to higher excise duties on more expensive bullets, which would be the price of many hunters and fishermen.

"Hunting, shooting and fishing are more than just pastime in Montana-they are part of our outdoor heritage," said the Tester. "They're Montana values that we at our children and grandchildren. And I will fight for these values when Washington D.C. rules in the way of commons sense. "

"Outdoor activities, including hunting and fishing, not only provide recreational opportunities, but also a great contribution to South Dakota's economy," said Thune. "The EPAs were regulations in other areas are already harmful jobs and businesses around the country, and I am determined to ensure that ammunition and tackle not subject to arbitrary regulation."

A coalition of conservation groups suing the Environmental Protection Agency to enforce a ban. They call the legislators legislation "misplaced" at its best.

"I think it's sad," said Adam Keats, senior counsel for the Center for biological diversity that the lead lawyer on the EPA process. "It is a sad move by elected officials that are ignoring facts, science and the health of people in this country in harm's way just to appeal to a very rich, rich lobby: the gun lobby."

"I think the Bill is ridiculous," said Jeff Miller, a supporter of the conservation with the center, which the coalition of green activists. "I think it's a waste of taxpayer money. It tries to prolong the inevitable. Lead is going to go away. "

The Coalition filed a lawsuit in November after the EPA rejected his petition last summer that the use of lead in ammunition argued and tackle is poisoning of the nation's Lakes, ponds and forests. The EPA said it does not have the authority to regulate lead in munitions and added that shells and cartridges are excluded from the definition of "chemicals" in the poisonous act.

Environmentalists are now located in a skirmish with legislators, the EPA and gun rights groups.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation, the Association for the firearms and hunting industry, says a ban on traditional ammunition the financial health of nature conservation in jeopardy, since the federal excise tax of 11 percent tax that manufacturers pay on the sale of ammunition is a primary source of funding for conservation.

But environmentalists call that argument a "nons tarter."

"I guarantee that if the EPA to ban lead ammunition, there would be no difference in excise duties taken by federal officials," said Keats. "It is not a rational argument. The starting point you must believe hundreds of thousands of people who are not allowed to use lead ammunition will instead give yacht ".

Miller said that excise duty shall also apply to ammunition sold regardless of its composition.

"Sales of copper-based ammunition just as much money for conservationists," he said. "It's a nonissue. This tax would continue.

The Foundation also says higher costs associated with alternative munitions will price everyday consumers from the market, pointing to the 1% market share of alternative munitions.

"The economic growth of America's firearms and ammunition industry remains a bright spot in our country still-ailing economy," said Lawrence Kean, senior vice president and general counsel to the National Shooting Sports Foundation. "Passing this important legislation will help to ensure that our industry, which is responsible for more than 183,000 well-paid jobs and has an economic impact of more than $ 27.8 billion annually, continues to shine."

But Keats dismissed that as "cynical lies perpetrated by these guys."

"It's not about anything that they say that it is about," he said.

Miller said that EPA was wrong to reject legal Coalition petition and believes that the Agency has turned his back on the issue because it was a "hot potato" before the mid-term elections.

"They have fully the right to regulate lead ammunition," he said, adding that trying to argue against that is "sticking your head in the sand."

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