House of Representatives Takes Up Anti-Wildlife Legislation
Dear John, This week, the House of Representatives will likely vote on a slew of bad bills, including those that would increase wolf slaughter and prevent efforts to ban lead ammunition that is toxic to wildlife.
H.R. 615 would prohibit the Department of the Interior and the US Department of Agriculture from regulating the use of lead ammunition or fishing tackle on department-managed lands and waters. An estimated 10 to 20 million birds and other animals, including threatened and endangered species, die each year from lead poisoning in the United States. Animals who ingest bullet fragments from contaminated carcasses often endure a long, painful death that may involve paralysis and organ failure. Comparable alternatives, such as copper and steel ammunition, are widely available and effective.
H.R. 764 would remove Endangered Species Act protections for gray wolves in the continental United States, and would prevent courts from overturning this action. Removing federal protections now would be disastrous for wolf recovery. ESA listing decisions should be based on science, and made by the appropriate federal agencies, not politicians. |