H.R.556 - Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 556, the "Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2025," aims to prevent the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture from prohibiting the use of lead ammunition and tackle on federal lands and waters managed by their departments. This bill seeks to ensure continued access for hunting and fishing activities on these lands. The bill includes an exception allowing prohibitions or regulations on specific units of federal land or water if a decline in wildlife is demonstrably caused by lead ammunition or tackle, and if the state's fish and wildlife department approves.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would limit the ability of the Department of Interior and Agriculture to regulate lead ammunition and tackle on federal lands. This could lead to continued use of lead in hunting and fishing, potentially impacting wildlife and ecosystems. However, it also ensures that hunters and anglers retain access to these lands without restrictions on their choice of ammunition or tackle, unless specific conditions related to wildlife decline are met.
Potential Benefits
- Maintains access for hunters and anglers to federal lands and waters.
- Prevents potential restrictions on the type of ammunition and tackle that can be used.
- Supports the hunting and fishing industries by avoiding potential disruptions.
- Allows for continued traditional hunting and fishing practices.
- Provides an exception for specific areas where lead is proven to harm wildlife populations.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for continued lead contamination of ecosystems and wildlife.
- May hinder efforts to reduce lead exposure in sensitive environments.
- Could conflict with state-level regulations aimed at reducing lead use.
- May negatively impact certain wildlife populations in the long term.
- Limits the flexibility of federal agencies to respond to emerging environmental concerns related to lead.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the U.S. Constitution is primarily related to the balance of power between the federal government and the states, as well as potential impacts on environmental regulations. Congress has the power to regulate activities on federal lands under Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2, also known as the Property Clause. However, the Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, which could include wildlife management and environmental regulations within their borders.
The bill does include a provision that any prohibition or regulation must be consistent with state law or approved by the state's fish and wildlife department, which attempts to address potential conflicts with state authority. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific individual rights enumerated in the Constitution or its amendments.
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).