U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman, Chair of the House Committee on Natural Resources, has responded to a new rule announced by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) that bans the use of lead ammunition and tackle in national wildlife refuges. The rule, which was finalized on Oct. 27, has sparked controversy and concerns about access to public lands and the affordability of alternative equipment.
In a statement, Rep. Westerman expressed his disagreement with the new rule, stating, "Clearly the Biden administration is hoping no one fact checks their claims, because while they're saying this rule expands access to public lands, it quite literally does the exact opposite." He argued that lead ammunition and tackle are more affordable options for lower-income outdoor enthusiasts and that there is no proven harm to the environment from their use.
Representing a rural district in Arkansas, Rep. Westerman emphasized the impact this rule would have on his constituents who rely on hunting and fishing for recreation and sustenance. He criticized President Biden for prioritizing the opinions of "D.C. bureaucrats and out-of-touch environmental extremists" over the voices of rural communities.
The rule was proposed in June 2023, and the ban will be in effect by 2026 in seven national wildlife refuges, according to a June 22 press release from the House Committee on Natural Resources. Those refuges are, according to the press release: “Blackwater NWR in Maryland, Chincoteague NWR in Virginia and Maryland, Eastern Neck NWR Maryland, Erie NWR in Pennsylvania, Great Thicket NWR in Maine, Patuxent Research Refuge in Maryland, Rachel Carson NWR in Maine and Wallops Island NWR in Virginia. In addition, lead ammunition, but not tackle, would be banned in the Chincoteague NWR in Virginia and Maryland.” The press release notes that on June 21, there was bipartisan support for House Resolution 615, the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2023. It is available here: https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.congress.gov/118/bills/hr615/BILLS-118hr615ih.pdf__;!!Fr0YZsIsFWxTZsBm-qTAg68!jhjC0_5Tf3JSsRkvW8nFaDUlYXK-mkK7ldU-dM-kX-6kk8CSJ7iFpHytF7MrgDWpC4QDuAdnXDc3b44fihAGw35m37VRG5J5$
However, there is a silver lining to the new rule. Outdoor Life Magazine reports that fishing and hunting will now be allowed at two national wildlife refuges where these activities were previously prohibited. This change provides new opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy these recreational activities.
It is worth noting that there was bipartisan support for House Resolution 615, the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2023, which aimed to protect access to public lands for hunters and anglers. The House Committee on Natural Resources press release highlights this support and provides a link to the resolution for further information.
While the new rule has sparked controversy and concerns about access and affordability, it also brings about positive changes in terms of expanded recreational opportunities. As the ban on lead ammunition and tackle takes effect in the designated national wildlife refuges, the impact on outdoor enthusiasts and the environment will become clearer.
