The U.S. House Appropriations Interior Subcommittee approved a bill July 9 that would protect legal ivory owners.
“This action is a significant step towards protecting all lawful ivory owners,” observed Rob Mitchell of the Elephant Protection Association. “As this bill progresses , we will continue to provide updates as developments occur.”
Called the FY15 Interior and Environment Appropriations bill, the measure will be considered for approval by the U.S. House Appropriations Committee next week.
“This is great news!” exclaimed Sandra Brady, scrimshander and a member of the Elephant Protection Association. “Our efforts are paying off. As a direct result of the Oversight Committee Hearing held June 24, this bill, if approved, would not allow any funds to be used for changes in the ivory laws.
“However, this law is not passed yet and has to be voted on by the Senate, but the verbiage we had hoped for is there. We still have a fight on our hands, and we’ll keep you posted as to how and when and what to do to help this along.”
The bill is in response to the ban on the domestic sale and trade of legally owned ivory by the Obama Administration and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). It includes wording that would prohibit FWS from using any funds to restrict the domestic sale and trade of legally acquired ivory, as well as any further restrictions on its import and export.
The language does NOT prohibit the administration from trying to end poaching and illicit trade, but does protect legal ivory owners and their ivory.
For more information on how you can help fight the government’s attempt to ban the domestic sale and trade of legally acquired ivory, contact the Elephant Protection Association, 1035 W. Bristol Rd., Warminster, PA 18974.
