The Iowa House Natural Resources Committee passed HJR 2001 out of commitee today by a vote of 17-4. This is the companion bill to SJR 2001 which removes the ban on lead shot that the Iowa Department of Natural Resources attempted to enact last year prior to the start of Iowa's new dove hunting season. Voting no on the legislation were Representatives Hanson, Kelley, Steckman, and Thede. There were approximately 25 supporters of the bill present during the vote, which was originally scheduled for 3:00 PM but was instead held at 1:00 PM.
According to NRA lobbyist Chris Rager, he is working with leadership to get both bills (HJR 2001 and SJR 2001) scheduled for a floor vote.
This is excellent news for Iowans. Regardless of anyone's position on lead poisoning in the environment, this legislation reverses a rule that the DNR enacted without public input and with the knowledge that the legislature turned down an amendment to ban lead during the dove hunting season. The DNR cannot be allowed to override legislative and public sentiment simply because several of their leaders believe that lead shot poisons the environment. If this type of power abuse is permitted to continue, there will be no reason to have an elected legislature.
Government is of the people, by the people, for the people. The majority of the people do not want a lead ban. Those who believe that lead harms the environment are free to purchase non-toxic ammunition. For the rest of us, we are waiting to see solid proof (not emotion) that lead ammunition is harmful to the environment. Until that happens, we do not need government protecting us from ourselves, and we certainly do not want or need a government agency acting on its own accord to pass controversial rules.
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