Rep. Val Hoyle Opposes Bill Threatening Wildlife Due to Lead Ammunition

Concerns with the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act

• ⚠️ Rep. Val Hoyle expresses concerns that HR556, the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act, may not be the right approach and could harm wildlife populations.
• 🎯 The science is clear that lead ammunition and tackle can poison wildlife, with observed impacts on species like the bald eagle and California condor in Oregon.
• 🍽️ Many constituents hunt for food, making the threat of lead poisoning from lead ammunition a significant concern for their families.

Undermining Local Control and Conservation Efforts

• 📜 The bill, as written, could make it nearly impossible for local land managers to address lead poisoning issues by setting an impractically high bar.
• 💰 Addressing the problem under the bill's conditions would be too costly and time-consuming, hindering efforts to prove what is already known about lead's impact.
• 🏡 The legislation could undermine local control, which is particularly important in states like Oregon with a home rule tradition.

Successful Lead Restriction Models

• 📊 Approximately 38 states already have lead restrictions in place that are working effectively.
• 🤝 States like Oregon have demonstrated that it is possible to protect wildlife while simultaneously supporting hunting and fishing through programs like gear exchanges.
• 💸 These programs help hunters and anglers switch to alternatives without significant financial burden, making the transition more accessible.

Proposed Solutions for Wildlife Protection

• 🌱 Instead of creating conflict, the focus should be on learning from successful existing programs that encourage voluntary switches to non-lead ammunition.
• 💡 Offering incentives for alternatives and continuing research into non-lead options can drive down costs and increase adoption.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The ultimate goal is to protect hunter and angler access while ensuring the conservation of wildlife for future generations, exemplified by the bald eagle.
• 🚫 Hoyle urges colleagues to oppose the current legislation and work towards real solutions.