H.R. 6268: Lead Endangers Animals Daily Act of 2025

The bill titled the Lead Endangers Animals Daily Act of 2025 aims to prohibit the use of lead ammunition on lands and waters controlled by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. This legislation is in response to the negative impacts that lead has on wildlife and human health, as well as the environment. Below is a summary of the key provisions and intentions of the bill:

Background and Findings

The bill includes several findings that underscore the importance of this legislation:

• In 1991, lead ammunition was banned for waterfowl hunting, highlighting previous recognition of its dangers.
• Research indicates that lead exposure is harmful to both humans and wildlife, affecting various organs and systems.
• Lead is classified as a neurotoxin, and no safe exposure level exists for humans, leading to its prohibition in many products.
• Wildlife, especially threatened and endangered species, faces risks from lead toxicosis through ingestion of lead from spent ammunition.
• Lead can contaminate soil and water, posing further risks to both wildlife and human food sources.
• Humans consuming game meat shot with lead ammunition are also at risk of lead poisoning.
• Alternatives to lead ammunition exist and perform comparably.

Prohibition of Lead Ammunition

The bill mandates that:

• Within one year after the bill becomes law, the Secretary of the Interior must implement regulations that ban the use of any ammunition containing lead on Fish and Wildlife Service lands.
• The regulations will classify and maintain an updated list of approved nonlead ammunition through consultation with state and tribal governments.

Exceptions to the prohibition include:

• Government officials or agents performing duties unrelated to wildlife management.
• Law enforcement officers fulfilling their statutory responsibilities.
• Active members of the military on official duty.

Penalties for Noncompliance

Individuals who knowingly violate the ammunition ban may face civil penalties, including:

• A fine of up to $500 for the first violation.
• For subsequent violations, fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 may be imposed.

Definitions

The bill provides specific definitions for key terms used within its text:

• Ammunition: Refers to any projectile expelled from a firearm.
• Nonlead ammunition: Defined as ammunition with no lead content, with minor trace amounts being permissible.
• Other terms relate to the roles and responsibilities of the Secretary of the Interior and the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Purpose and Goals

The primary goal of the bill is to mitigate the risks posed by lead ammunition to wildlife and human health by transitioning to nonlead alternatives. This legislation seeks to enhance the protection of endangered species and ensure a safer environment for hunting and wildlife conservation.

Relevant Companies

• None found