Legislative Report to BRWC
September 14, 2010
NRA's Long-Time Friend: In May's report, it was mentioned how the NRA has had a relationship with Harry Reid, as he is a supporter of gun rights, and how it was going to be interesting whether the NRA would support Reid in the November election. Recently, it was announced that Harry Reid would NOT be receiving the endorsement of the NRA. Reid thought that he had bought the NRA endorsement by securing an earmark for a Las Vegas shooting range. Reid planned to use the NRA endorsement to prove his "moderate" credentials. Unfortunately, the NRA is refusing to endorse Sharron Angle and has contributed $5,000 to Reid's campaign.
Environmentalism's Unintended Consequences: The Gulf Oil Spill is called the “worst environmental disaster in history,” and the Left doesn't want a disaster to go to waste. They want to build support for “cap and trade” and other regulations by emphasizing the destruction of the spill. Not to minimize the impact of the crisis on the region, but recent data shows that 4,359 birds were found dead and 1,927 were found alive but covered in oil. This is small in comparison to the deaths caused by “green” windmills. An Altamont Pass, CA wind farm's blades kill 4,700 birds per year according to the National Audubon Society. In 2002, the Fish and Wildlife Service estimated 33,000 birds were killed annually by windmills.
Back Door Deals Again?: Several environmentalist groups led by the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) were petitioning the EPA to ban lead bullets and shot (as well as lead sinkers for fishing) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) of 1976. Although the EPA is barred by statute from controlling ammunition, CBD was seeking to work farther back along the manufacturing chain and have the EPA ban the use of lead in bullets and shot because non-lead alternatives are available. The alternatives to lead bullets are more expensive. By banning all but the most expensive ammo, they will effectively ban your guns. As of the end of August, the EPA was backing away from their ammo-banning scheme -- for now. Visit the National Association for Gun Rights website to sign the “Stop Barack's Bullet Ban” petition.
In the States:
· The Cleveland City Council has approved spending $2.5 million on high-tech trash and recycling carts for 25,000 households across the city, expanding a pilot program that began in 2007 with 15,000 households, says the Cleveland Plain Dealer. The City of Cleveland plans to sort through curbside trash to make sure residents are recycling -- and fine them $100 if they do not.
Source: National Rifle Association-Institute for Legislative Action website; Western Representation PAC; Washington Times.com; weeklystandard.com; National Association for Gun Rights; NCPA.org
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