Feds use tax revenue from gun sales to fix the environment

The Obama administration is distributing $1.1 billion in tax revenue from the purchase of firearms to help states with environmental programs.

The Interior Department's Fish and Wildlife Service made the announcement Monday, saying the money is from excise taxes paid on firearms, bows and ammunition. Excise taxes on sportfishing tackle, some boat engines and small engine fuel also were included.

"State wildlife agencies play an essential role in the conservation of America's wildlife, while also generating billions of dollars for the nation's economy through increased hunting and fishing opportunities," said Dan Ashe, the director of the Fish and Wildlife Service. "It's fitting that those very sporting activities help sustain wildlife, their habitats and the agencies that manage them. Our role in administering these funds reflects our long-standing partnership with the states across a broad spectrum of wildlife conservation issues."

The revenue is collected for land and environmental restoration projects under two laws: The Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration and Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration acts.

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