S.537 - Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
The "Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2025" (S.537) 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. The bill includes an exception allowing prohibitions in specific areas if lead is proven to cause wildlife decline, and if the prohibition aligns with state laws and policies. The bill was introduced in the Senate on February 12, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
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, with potential environmental and wildlife impacts. However, it also ensures continued access for hunters and anglers to these lands using traditional methods.
Potential Benefits
- Maintains access for hunters and anglers to federal lands and waters.
- Prevents potential restrictions on traditional hunting and fishing practices.
- Could support businesses related to the sale and manufacture of lead ammunition and tackle.
- Allows for continued use of familiar and potentially more affordable ammunition and tackle options.
- Provides a degree of regulatory certainty for hunters and anglers.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for continued lead contamination of the environment.
- Possible negative impacts on wildlife populations due to lead poisoning.
- Could hinder efforts to promote the use of non-toxic alternatives.
- May conflict with state-level efforts to reduce or eliminate lead in hunting and fishing.
- Could lead to increased health risks for humans consuming game harvested with lead ammunition.
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 regulation. Congress has the power to regulate activities on federal lands under the Property Clause (Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2). However, the Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, which could be relevant if the bill preempts state environmental regulations. The Second Amendment right to bear arms could be invoked, though its applicability to ammunition and tackle regulations is debatable.
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).