On Friday, key provisions of the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2023 (H.R. 615) were passed by the U.S. House of Representatives as part of the FY24 Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The bill included provisions that ensure that none of the allocated appropriations can be used to prohibit the use of lead ammunition or tackle on federal lands or waters designated for recreational hunting and fishing.
The American Sportfishing Association thanked Rep. Rob Wittman of Virginia for introducing this legislation, which now has the support of 50 cosponsors and acts as a safeguard against the arbitrary banning of lead tackle on federal lands unless scientific evidence demonstrates harm to wildlife.
“Effective environmental stewardship and wildlife conservation rely on the valuable contributions of our hunters and anglers, and affordable lead ammunition and tackle are crucial to reducing financial barriers that limit accessibility for sportsmen and women,” said Wittman. “I am pleased to see key provisions from my bill reflected in this year’s appropriations bill, and I look forward to the progression of the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act through both the House and the Senate.”
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