# The LEAD Act of 2021: What It Means

This bill would ban the use of lead ammunition on all lands and waters managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. If passed, hunters, sport shooters, and anyone else using firearms on these federal wildlife lands would be required to switch to non-lead ammunition alternatives within one year of the law taking effect. The bill defines non-lead ammunition as bullets and other projectiles containing no lead, except for trace amounts of one percent or less by weight.

The reasoning behind this ban centers on health and environmental concerns. Lead is toxic to both humans and animals, and according to the bill, it poses particular risks to children's brain development. The bill points out that lead ammunition can poison wildlife directly when animals eat spent bullets while foraging, or indirectly when they scavenge carcasses left by hunters. Lead can also contaminate soil and water around shooting ranges, potentially affecting livestock and crops. Additionally, people who eat game meat shot with lead ammunition may ingest lead particles, creating a direct health risk to consumers.

The bill includes some exceptions to the ammunition ban. Government officials performing their duties, law enforcement officers, and active military members would be exempt from the requirement. For those who violate the ban, the penalties start at up to $500 for a first offense and increase to $1,000 to $5,000 for repeat violations. The bill notes that non-lead ammunition alternatives already exist and perform just as well as traditional lead ammunition, suggesting the switch is technically feasible for most shooters.

LEAD Act of 2021

Lieu, Ted

Lead Endangers Animals Daily Act of 2021 or the LEAD Act of 2021 This bill directs the Department of the Interior to issue final regulations prohibiting the discharge of any firearm using ammunition other than nonlead ammunition on all lands and waters under the jurisdiction and control of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Interior shall establish and annually update a list of nonlead ammunition. The prohibition shall not apply to (1) a government official or agent who is carrying out a statutory duty unrelated to the management of wildlife; (2) a state, local, tribal, or federal law enforcement officer, or the agent of such an officer, who is carrying out a statutory duty; or (3) an active member of the U.S. military who is carrying out official duties. A person that knowingly violates the prohibition may be assessed a civil penalty by Interior of (1) no more than $500 for the first violation, and (2) no less than $1,000 or more than $5,000 for a second or subsequent violation.