NRA-ILA GRASSROOTS ALERT: Vol. 20, No. 21 05/24/2013

Federal Judge Dismisses Lawsuit to Ban Traditional Ammunition

In 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) denied a petition filed by a number of groups (led by the radical anti-gun, anti-hunting environmental group Center for Biological Diversity) to ban the use of lead ammunition. The 2010 denial was based on the simple fact that the EPA does not have the legal authority under the Toxic Substance Control Act to ban or regulate ammunition.

As we reported in 2010, this is not an accident. When TSCA was passed in 1976, pro-gun legislators led by the late Sen. James McClure (R-Idaho) added language to the bill specifically exempting ammunition from EPA control. They knew, even then, that radical anti-hunting groups could try to use the law to end hunting and recreational shooting by making ammo too expensive. Their foresight has now provided an invaluable protection against the effort to ban traditional lead ammunition.

But you can never count on radicals to stop just because they have been beaten. The EPA has also previously denied their petition to ban the use of lead fishing sinkers, and when they sued to force the EPA to impose an ammunition ban, a federal court ruled that the suit had been filed too late.

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Celebrating Memorial Day

This weekend, our country will celebrate Memorial Day. We'll cook out, relax, and visit with friends and family. But this holiday weekend is about more than barbeques, swimming pools, and family get-togethers. As we celebrate the Memorial Day weekend, let us keep in mind what we are "celebrating" -- those who made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure that Americans, and people around the world, would be able to reap the benefits of freedom.

We should remember, too, the one freedom that protects all our other freedoms -- the Second Amendment. Those who fought and died on the battlefield did so to protect our country, our way of life, and our freedom. It is now our calling, and our responsibility, to ensure that future generations never fail to realize how blessed we are to live in the United States, a country whose Constitution guarantees its citizens' freedom, including our Right to Keep and Bear Arms.

Another Way to Get Involved

If you aren't following the NRA on Facebook or Twitter, you should be!

We are very happy to report that, thanks to your on-going support, NRA's Facebook page has exploded in popularity and currently boasts over 2,390,000 "likes"!

Our Facebook page allows us to reach many potential members and supporters with our pro-gun, pro-freedom message. It provides an opportunity for our members to communicate with each other and with us.

If you haven't already, please be sure to "like" the NRA on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/NationalRifleAssociation. If you have already "liked" us, please ask your friends to do the same! Help us get to 3 million likes!