The ban on buying or selling shark fin in California and other states could be overturned if a proposed regulation by two federal agencies becomes law, according to Greenwich Time,
Several congressional representatives have written letter expressing concern that the regulations would pre-empt state rights to protect the sharks.
“If we are to address the problem of shark-finning head on, we must allow state and territorial statutes to complement the federal regulations and further the U.S. leadership in global shark conservation,” states the letter.
Among those signing on to the letter was Rep Grace Meng (D-New York).
The proposed regulations says federal law would pre-empt state shark fin law if they are not consistent with federal law. The proposal has the support of the fishing industry.
You can read more about this debate in the Greenwich Time,