• A broad-ranging proposal related to toxic chemicals -- which could potentially ban the sale of lead ammunition throughout the state -- has been introduced into the Vermont legislature.
• The Toxic Chemical Identification and Reduction Program has been referred to the Vermont House Fish, Wildlife & Water Resources Committee.
• This bill would require the secretary of natural resources to establish a toxic chemical identification and reduction program to identify and ban the sale and distribution of consumer products containing chemicals deemed to be “likely carcinogens,” stating that “It is the policy of the state of Vermont to protect public health and the environment by reducing exposure of its citizens and vulnerable populations…from exposure to toxic chemicals when safer alternatives exist.”
• The Environmental Protection Agency currently has lead and lead compounds classified as “probable human carcinogens.”
• During the committee hearing on this bill (H. 484), the Department of Environmental Conservation Deputy Commissioner stated that it was “foreseeable” that the enactment of this legislation could outlaw the sale of all lead ammunition in Vermont.