The Truth about AB 711

Your online posting from Assemblymember Brian Jones’ contains a number of inaccuracies about the legislative effort to require nonlead ammunition for hunting in California. A broad coalition of conservation and animal welfare groups, public health advocates and hunters supports Assembly Bill 711 because lead in the environment poses a threat to both people and wildlife.

 First and foremost, Jones’ assertion that there is no evidence that lead is toxic to humans and the environment is ludicrous and ill-informed. The book is closed on lead, both in science and public opinion – and that’s why it has been banned in everything from paint to children’s toys to gasoline. The Centers for Disease Control and leading scientists from around the country agree that there is no safe level of lead exposure for humans.

 In addition, contrary to Jones’ assertions, the federal government agrees that eliminating lead ammunition is a priority. The National Park Service in 2009 announced the goal of eliminating the use of lead ammunition, while the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1991 began to require the use of non-lead ammunition like steel and copper for hunting ducks and geese across the United States.

 If you’re a law-abiding waterfowl hunter, you have already been using steel shot for more than 20 years. There are already manufacturers of non-lead ammunition in the state of California, and ethical hunters agree that non-lead ammunition often outperforms lead ammunition. Thousands and thousands of hunters in California already use non-lead ammunition. Hunting licenses increased after an earlier law passed requiring the use of non-lead ammo in condor wildlife areas.

 With these alternatives available, there is no reason to continue using toxic lead shotgun shells and bullets.

 It’s unfortunate that Jones posted a video that has no basis in fact, but we’re certain that Patch readers deserve facts over fiction.

Signed, Dan Taylor

Director of Public Policy

Audubon California