Ross Helps Pass Sportsmen's Heritage Act

Statement

Today, U.S. Congressman Mike Ross of Prescott voted for and helped pass the bipartisan H.R. 4089, the Sportsmen's Heritage Act of 2012. This legislation must now be considered by the Senate.

H.R. 4089 would require the Interior Department and the U.S. Forest Service to provide access to certain federal lands for hunting, fishing and recreational shooting. Additionally, it also amends the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to add ammunition and sport fishing equipment to the list of items that are exempted by TSCA. This limits the authority of the EPA to regulate bullets, angling lures and other hunting equipment with respect to toxic substances.

"As an avid outdoorsman and co-chairman of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus, I am proud to have co-sponsored and helped pass H.R. 4089, the Sportsmen's Heritage Act of 2012," said Ross. "The passage of this important legislation is crucial to the protection of America's outdoor traditions and the advancement of the rights of hunters and anglers across the nation. I will continue to work with my colleagues in the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus and in Congress to promote and protect our sporting heritage."

H.R. 4089 recognizes that recreational anglers and hunters have been and will continue to be among the foremost supporters of sound fish and wildlife management and conservation in the United States. Public lands have traditionally been used for recreational sporting activities. Revenue from fishing and hunting licenses and excise taxes on fishing, hunting, and shooting equipment have generated billions of dollars that fund fish and wildlife conservation, research, and management. In order to continue this revenue stream, sportsmen must have access to these areas.

"Outdoor activities like hunting and fishing are an important part of our heritage and way of life, especially in my home state of Arkansas," said Ross. "I firmly believe this important tradition must be preserved and promoted. Requiring the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Forest Service to keep their lands open to hunting, fishing and recreational shooting will allow sportsmen the opportunity to pursue their passions as well as maintain funding for critical conservation activities. It will also benefit the tourism industry and be an economic boon in areas where public lands are open to sporting activities."

Source