Senators Oppose Ammo Bans in National Parks
NEWTOWN, Conn. ? In a letter to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, 13 senators detailed their concerns about the impact a ban on traditional ammunition would have on hunters, the economy and wildlife populations.
"At this time, the motives behind NPS actions addressing lead issues are very unclear. Especially in these difficult economic times, this action will discourage people from hunting and fishing and decrease revenue into the Pittman-Robertson fund that funds state conservation efforts," read the letter.
The firearms industry, sportsmen's groups and multiple conservation organizations criticized the ban in a press release, calling it "arbitrary, over-reactive and not based on science."
In concluding their letter to Secretary Salazar, the senators were very clear as to what they wanted to see: "We request that NPS cease all actions to prohibit the use of lead products on NPS lands by private citizens and NPS personnel."
Signatories on the letter include:
Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY)
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)
Sen. James E. Risch(R-ID)
Sen. Jim Bunning (R-KY)
Sen. Roger F. Wicker (R-MS)
Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC)
Sen. Michael B. Enzi (R-WY)
Sen. Robert F. Bennett(R-UT)
Sen. John Thune (R-SD)
Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC)
Sen. Mike Johanns (R-NE)
Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK)
Sen. David Vitter (R-LA)
