Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2025
Impact
If enacted, HB556 would have significant implications for state laws concerning wildlife management and federal regulations on hunting. Specifically, it would limit the authority of federal agencies to regulate policies around the usage of lead in ammunition and tackle, even in cases where lead usage may be harmful to wildlife or ecosystems. The bill does include provisions that allow for exceptions where specific wildlife populations are declining due to lead contamination, but only under specific criteria that demonstrate clear linkage between lead use and wildlife health.
Summary
House Bill 556, also known as the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2025, seeks to prevent the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture from imposing bans on lead ammunition and tackle on certain federal lands and waters that are designated for hunting and fishing activities. This legislation asserts the rights of hunters and anglers to use traditional lead materials in their activities, aiming to protect access to federal lands for these recreational pursuits. Proponents of the bill argue that such access is vital for outdoor enthusiasts, ensuring that they are not restricted by potentially excessive regulations.
Contention
The bill is likely to face contention from environmental and wildlife conservation groups, who often advocate for reducing lead usage in hunting and fishing due to its toxic effects on both wildlife and ecosystems. Opponents may argue that allowing the continued use of lead could exacerbate wildlife population declines attributed to lead poisoning. Supporters of the bill, however, are likely to counter that imposing restrictions on lead does not consider the broader historical context of hunting practices and the potential economic impact on communities reliant on hunting and recreational fishing.
Congress_id
119-HR-556
Policy_area
Public Lands and Natural Resources
Notable_points
Overall, HB556 embodies a larger debate over the balance between conservation efforts and traditional outdoor recreational activities. The inclusion of a measure that permits federal regulations under specific circumstances may mitigate some opposition, but the bill's broader implications about hunting rights and environmental health will continue to drive discussions among stakeholders.
Working to Advance Tangible and Effective Reforms for California Act or the WATER for California Act This bill addresses the operation of the Central Valley Project (CVP), a federal water project in California owned and operated by the Bureau of Reclamation, and the California State Water Project (SWP), which is operated jointly with the CVP. Specifically, the bill requires that Reclamation operate the CVP and SWP pursuant to a specified alternative to a proposed action in a final environmental impact statement and 2019 agency published Biological Opinions (BiOps). The bill also requires Reclamation and the Department of Commerce to submit a justification to Congress that meets certain requirements prior to requesting or completing a reinitiation of consultation that will result in new BiOps. This bill also requires Reclamation to allocate water to existing agricultural water service contractors within the CVP's Sacramento River Watershed based on the water year type (e.g., dry, wet). These allocations must not affect the United States' ability or obligations to deliver water under other designated contracts. Further, the bill repeals certain eligibility requirements for water infrastructure construction funding under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to make the Shasta Dam and Reservoir Enlargement Project in California eligible for funding. The bill also requires that Reclamation funds made available but not used for this project in previous appropriations years be made available to the project. Finally, the bill reauthorizes Reclamation's support for the construction or expansion of water storage projects.
Reforms the organizational structure for the Department of Transportation and Development including its duties, powers, and responsibilities of officers and employees (EN INCREASE SD EX See Note)