EPA Denies Petition to Initiate Rulemaking on Lead Fishing Tackle

The Environmental Protection Agency has denied a petition to initiate a rulemaking applicable to fishing tackle containing lead. In its explanation for the denial, EPA stated that the petition, filed on November 17, 2011, and denied in a letter from EPA dated February 14, 2012, failed to demonstrate that federal action is necessary, considering that: (1) wildlife exposure to lead fishing tackle has a regional context and the states where risk of injury is greatest are largely the states that have taken action to address the risks; (2) the market for fishing tackle continues to change and the prevalence of non-lead alternatives in the marketplace continues to increase; and (3) the petitioners did not provide evidence that the risk from lead fishing tackle outweighs the burden to society of potential regulations.