Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act
Summary
The "Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act" aims to prevent the Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture from banning lead ammunition or tackle on specific federal lands and waters managed by their departments. The bill allows for exceptions if a decline in wildlife is demonstrably caused by lead, and the state's fish and wildlife department approves restrictions. It was reported from the Committee on Natural Resources with an amendment and the Committee on Agriculture was discharged.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would primarily affect hunting and fishing regulations on federal lands. It would limit the ability of federal agencies to regulate lead ammunition and tackle, potentially impacting wildlife and environmental conservation efforts. State-level regulations and scientific data would play a crucial role in determining any exceptions to this rule.
Potential Benefits
- Preserves traditional hunting and fishing practices using lead ammunition and tackle.
- Prevents potential restrictions on access to hunting and fishing on federal lands.
- Could reduce costs for hunters and anglers by avoiding the need to switch to more expensive non-lead alternatives.
- Empowers state fish and wildlife departments to have a say in lead ammunition regulations.
- Provides clarity and consistency in regulations across different federal lands.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential negative impacts on wildlife populations due to lead poisoning.
- Could hinder conservation efforts aimed at protecting vulnerable species.
- May lead to increased lead contamination in certain ecosystems.
- Limits the flexibility of federal agencies to respond to emerging scientific evidence on the harmful effects of lead.
- Could conflict with international efforts to reduce lead exposure in the environment.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the US Constitution is primarily related to the balance of power between the federal government and the states, and the management of federal lands. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this Constitution in the government of the United States, or in any department or officer thereof. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states respectively, or to the people. This bill could be viewed as an attempt to limit federal regulatory power over certain activities on federal lands, potentially shifting more control to the states.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).