Advancing supply chain accountability through federal and state policy in the U.S., alongside coordinated efforts in allied countries.
Lead poisoning is one of the most pressing and neglected public health crises in low- and middle-income countries. A leading driver is the recycling of used lead-acid batteries — found in virtually every vehicle, off-grid solar system, and e-rickshaw across the developing world.
In many countries, this recycling happens in open fires or uncontrolled smelters that blanket surrounding communities in lead dust, causing irreversible cognitive damage to children living nearby.
"Unsafe recyclers receive the same market price as safe ones. Opacity protects this system — and puts responsible actors at a disadvantage."
The problem persists because of a market failure: buyers in high-income countries do not differentiate between lead sourced safely and unsafely. As long as supply chains remain invisible, there is no incentive to change.
The United States is the single largest buyer of recycled lead exports from Nigeria and Ghana — two countries with extremely limited verified safe recycling capacity. Yet no federal law requires manufacturers or importers to disclose where that lead originates.
The Coalition for Responsible Lead Sourcing coordinates policy efforts across high-income countries to close that gap.
Modeled on the conflict minerals framework of Dodd-Frank Section 1502, we pursue supply chain disclosure requirements at both the federal and state level — creating the transparency incentives the market currently lacks.
Developing supply chain disclosure legislation in Congress and supporting hearings and oversight that compel industry accountability at the national level.
Pursuing complementary disclosure and procurement standards at the state level, where authority over consumer protection and public purchasing creates additional levers for change.
Coordinating with NGO partners, researchers, and policymakers across jurisdictions to build the political will necessary for meaningful change.
We are seeking Legislative Policy Interns for Summer 2026 to support our U.S. policy work. Interns contribute directly to legislative strategy, stakeholder engagement, and research informing real policy proposals.
Responsibilities
For partnership inquiries, press, or to learn more about our work, reach out directly.
contact@cleanlead.org