Californians for Conservation: Labor Coalition Opposes Bill to Ban Lead Ammunition in California, Urges Veto

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Sept. 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Below is the growing list of Labor leaders and organizations who oppose AB 711 (Rendon), the California bill to ban lead ammunition.  Last week, this bill narrowly passed the State Senate and went to the Governor's desk.  A bipartisan group of Democrats and Republicans voted against the bill in both the State Senate and Assembly.

"Approximately 65% of all Union households participate in hunting, fishing, or outdoor activities," said Mark Gagliardi, CSWUS, OPEIU Local 277. "Our members are very concerned about this bill, not only because it will limit recreational opportunities, but because it will have a dramatic effect on Union families whose breadwinner is employed in the ammunition or firearms industries."

Opposing AB 711 - lead ammunition ban

International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers, District Lodge 190 

Contra Costa Central Labor Council 

Russ Burns
Business Manager-Operating Engineers Local 3

Tim Hamann
Secretary/Treasurer-UFCW 5

Rod Cameron
Executive Director-CA State Pipe Trades Council

Jim Beno
Directing Business Representative-International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers, District Lodge 190

Chris Christophersen
Business Manager/Secretary Treasurer-IUPAT District Council 16

Mel Breshears
Business Manager-HFIAW Local 16

Mark Gagliardi
CSWUS-OPEIU 277

[Source: Senate Floor Analysis, 9/3/13]

The coalition of Labor organizations and Labor leaders, which represent over 150,000 Union members, stand united in opposition to this bill which hurts working men and women.

Californians for Conservation is a coalition of concerned conservationists, outdoorsmen, hunters and citizens who oppose the ban on lead ammunition. California risks losing up to $14 million in funding for conservation and habitat preservation if this bill passes because alternative metal ammunition is not available in sufficient quantity.  Many alternative metal ammunitions are considered "armor-piercing" by the federal government and are illegal to sell or distribute without a waiver.  The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms has more than twenty waivers currently pending that they are refusing to grant.  For more information visit www.CaliforniansforConservation.org

SOURCE Californians for Conservation