EPA Gets Sued Over Lead Leniency
The EPA has stepped up its game over the past few years, regulating substances and incidences that it could only dream of doing in the past (not because it wasn’t legal, but due to lack of support). So the new lawsuit against them over their alleged leniency toward lead in hunting and fishing equipment is quite a blow to their large steps of progress. The lawsuit came as an early Thanksgiving present to the Federal agency, delivered by conservation and hunting groups along with organizations like the Center for Biological Diversity.
Why are these groups suing the EPA?
The case is over whether the EPA has adequately regulated lead, specifically related to hunting equipment. Lead is a well-known toxin that most of us have removed from our homes (lead paint anyone?) and the majority of our products. What we have not yet regulated are the products ejected into our natural environment including fishing tackle and hunting ammunition. The lead contaminants in these pieces of equipment have been tied to poisoning none other than the Eagle and a wariety of other wilflife, mainly birds and fish, that are most susceptible to lead poisoning and lead intake due to diets and habitat. Now if you aren’t a big animal lover, this still impacts your health. This hunting equipment it typically the reason you are eating the meat in the first place, so your food may have trace contaminants of lead. Pescitarians be ware.
Is the EPA responsible?
Now this is where the true debate lays for this lawsuit. Not in companies being responsible for their products, or hunter and fisher men and women using the equipment. Does the EPA have the power to regulate this, and if so, why haven’t they? The details will require quite a bit of legal sorting. As is true for many Federal agencies, responsibilities can overlap or be divided in odd ways (the FDA regulates food…but not dairy products, that is the USDA for example). It is unclear at this point whether the EPA has the authority to act on the issue. They attempted to regulate this issue in 1994 unsuccessfully. The Toxic Substances Control Act is the main piece of legislation under scrutiny to determine accountability in this case.
Did the groups go too far by suing, in place of working with, the EPA?
The debate is already emotionally charged since it is not a new issue. Since we are still in the beginning stages of the actual legal debate, it is difficult to say. It is commendable that the hunting and conservation groups took it upon themselves to help shed light and now regulation upon an unsustainable practice. Reading the statements from leaders from the hunting groups, it is encouraging to learn that they take personal responsibility, but would like the support and authority that the EPA can lend to help solidify more ethical and healthy practices. At present, it is unclear whether the EPA has the authority to regulate this, although the majority of signs point to yes. One major sign is the EPA’s own website outlining their efforts to reduce lead, lead poisoning, and lead in homes. So why not wildlife?
You can read more about this issue through the Center for Biological Diversity’s “Get the Lead Out” campaign here. If you would like to learn about lead-free hunting, check out Project Gutpile’s efforts started by and working for hunters. To read what the EPA has already helped regulate regarding Lead, check out their website.
So what do you think? Too early to tell? Cheers to effective regulation? Or down with over-regulation of industries?
Photo Credits:
Get the Lead Out
Comments
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November 29th, 2010
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November 29th, 2010Trackback from : EPA Gets Sued Over Lead Leniency « Rooted In Sustainability
While this is a good cause, I think a lawsuit seems a little extreme. I guess they tried using less aggressive strategies in the past and it never accomplished their goal. Let’s hope this leads to new regulations regarding lead in fishing and hunting equipment. I’m sure it’s bound to be successful.
Is it just me, or do others get a little nervous when they see the EPA banning so many products? Sure it’s great that they are removing those products from stores, but what about the people who have been using lead products or other harmful products for decades?
@Aluminum, you are not alone, I too worry but its best to not even think about it.
-Jean
I remember its really a awesome organization that works on climate change.EPA has the most comprehensive mandated testing program for hormone effects in the world. The program is the result of a multi-year effort that includes validation of the science through a transparent scientific review process. Great post to read really..
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- Robert
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Lead in consumer products is quite a serious topic. Future generations are lucky that we are finally taking steps to get rid of lead in all products. Specific products should not be excluded just due to red tape though.
Admirable work and much success in your business efforts. Hoping few more good ones.
Hunters, especially bird hunters should defiantly use steel shot rather than lead, for the environment.
It’s certainly good to see them take some action over this. Hopefully, it’ll lead to some change in the usage of lead only in areas that are not harmful for the environment.
I think trying to work with a company is the first step. If they plan to sue they should only do it if the company doesn’t want to work at all to fix the problem. Thanks for sharing Tiffany.
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While this is a good cause
With the way they are suddenly being so strict about lead, it makes me a bit worried about all the lead exposure we’ve had previously. Obviously the problem has existed for a long time.
Sounds interesting post..i think EPA is doing well and hoping it will do well in the future also.
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Ya, I think EPA is still doing well despite the lead leniency lawsuit.
A very hot topic, because a healthy diet is very important for women and children. And the animals, the meat of which contain harmful substances that have a negative impact on the health of the nation.
There are no lead in our custom coins!
Yes I also think that this lawsuit does seem to be a bit extreme under the circumstances