Lead Endangers Animals Daily Act of 2025; LEAD Act of 2025
Summary
The Lead Endangers Animals Daily Act of 2025 (LEAD Act of 2025) aims to prohibit the use of lead ammunition on United States Fish and Wildlife Service lands. This bill directs the Secretary of the Interior, through the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to issue regulations banning ammunition other than certified nonlead ammunition within one year of enactment. The bill outlines exceptions for government officials, law enforcement, and military personnel carrying out official duties.
Expected Effects
The implementation of this act would lead to a complete ban on lead ammunition on designated federal lands managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This would necessitate a shift to nonlead alternatives for hunting and other activities involving firearms on these lands. The act also establishes penalties for violations, promoting compliance through potential fines.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced lead exposure for wildlife, including endangered species.
- Decreased lead contamination of soil and water in and around shooting ranges and hunting areas.
- Safer human food supplies by reducing the risk of lead contamination in game meat and livestock.
- Promotion of nonlead ammunition alternatives, potentially spurring innovation in ammunition technology.
- Improved overall ecosystem health on Fish and Wildlife Service lands.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential increased cost for hunters and recreational shooters due to the generally higher price of nonlead ammunition.
- Possible concerns among hunters regarding the performance and availability of nonlead ammunition compared to traditional lead ammunition.
- Enforcement challenges for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in monitoring and regulating ammunition types used on their lands.
- Potential resistance from groups or individuals who oppose restrictions on ammunition types.
- Limited impact, as the restrictions only apply to Fish and Wildlife Service lands, not all hunting or shooting areas.
Constitutional Alignment
The LEAD Act appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) by regulating activities that could affect interstate commerce, such as the sale and distribution of ammunition and the health of wildlife populations that cross state lines. It also aligns with the government's role in managing federal lands and protecting natural resources. The Second Amendment could be invoked by opponents arguing it infringes on the right to bear arms, but this argument would likely be weighed against the government's interest in environmental protection and public safety.
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).