WASHINGTON   –  U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) says potential Environmental Protection Agency regulations on lead fishing sinkers are the latest example of the federal government’s overreaching into the lives of American citizens and a drag on Southern Missouri businesses.  A decision on whether EPA will move forward is expected this week.

“Travel and tourism are major parts of our rural Missouri economy, especially in the beautiful Southern Missouri streams, rivers and lakes where people come from all over the nation to fish.  A new regulation on lead fishing sinkers would not only cause a hardship for Missourians who make their living from the tourism industry, it would also represent another unwanted expansion of EPA’s regulatory powers into the lives and businesses of the American people,” Emerson said.  “It’s absurd and yet very harmful for EPA to move forward with regulations on fishing tackle.  I sincerely hope they reconsider this course of action.”

The EPA review was prompted by a petition to the agency requesting the action under the Toxic Substances Control Act.  Lead ammunition was also included in the petition, and EPA has already dismissed the possibility of a review of lead in bullets.