On July 25, President Obama announced draft regulations that would restrict trade in African elephant ivory while allowing for travel and commerce by orchestras and musicians with certain instruments containing small amounts of ivory. The new regulations are in draft form, and will not go into effect until the public has an opportunity to comment on the new policies. The League is analyzing the new rules, will comment on behalf of the field of orchestras, and will prepare orchestras to directly respond to this opportunity to weigh in. The rules will be formally posted for public comment on July 28, and remain open for comments until September 28, 2015. The League is in ongoing dialogue with the Obama Administration and policy leaders to seek solutions that address wildlife conservation goals while also protecting international musical activity that requires musicians to travel with the tools of their trade. Find highlights from the proposed rules, answers to frequently asked questions concerning the rules’ impact on musical instruments, and more in the Ivory Ban Impact on Orchestras section of the League website—and check back often for regular updates.
Posted July 27, 2015
