WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05), Dean of the House, voted for the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act to prohibit the Biden Administration from banning the use of lead ammunition or tackle on federal land or water for hunting and fishing.

Hunting and fishing are allowed at nearly 400 national wildlife refuges, 35 wetland management districts, and 20 national fish hatcheries. In 2020, the Trump Administration expanded hunting and fishing opportunities on 2.3 million acres across 147 national wildlife refuges and national fish hatcheries.

Last year, the Biden Administration proposed to ban the use of lead ammunition and tackle by 2026 in some specified areas to protect wildlife “harmed by expanded hunting and fishing” on refuges.

“This unnecessary ban would force hunters and fishing enthusiasts to buy more expensive lead-free ammo and tackle, which typically costs far more than lead-based options,” said Congressman Rogers. “While the ban does not currently impact any Kentucky locations, it is another power-grab by the Biden Administration to regulate our way of life.”

The latest market reports show fishing tackle made of tin costs nearly $14.50 per pound, compared to $0.98 per pound for lead tackle, while lead-free hunting ammunition costs nearly 25-percent more.

The Biden Administration’s ban is part of a settlement agreement with the Center for Biological Diversity, after a lawsuit was filed claiming the additional access for hunting and fishing would negatively impact endangered species.

The bill also bans any regulations relating to the level of lead in ammunition or tackle.

The House passed H.R. 615, sending it on to the Senate for consideration.