The Trump administration has initiated a lawsuit against the state of California, challenging animal welfare laws it claims have significantly contributed to rising egg prices. Filed in federal court in California on March 15, 2024, the lawsuit targets regulations stemming from voter initiatives passed in 2018 and 2008 that mandate all eggs sold in California must come from cage-free hens.
The administration contends that these laws create excessive regulatory burdens on egg production, impacting farmers across the nation. According to Brooke Rollins, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, “It is one thing if California passes laws that affect its own state, it is another when those laws affect other states in violation of the U.S. Constitution.”
California’s animal welfare laws have been blamed for a sharp rise in egg prices, which surged due to the ongoing effects of avian influenza. The outbreak has resulted in the destruction of nearly 175 million birds since early 2022. Although prices reached a peak of $6.23 per dozen in March 2023, recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates a decline, with average prices dropping to $5.12 in April and $4.55 in May. However, the May price still reflected a 68.5% increase compared to the previous year.
The lawsuit claims California’s regulations have placed undue strain on the egg industry, asserting that the federal government holds the authority to regulate egg production nationwide. The administration seeks to permanently block the enforcement of California’s cage-free egg laws, arguing that these policies contribute to inflation affecting everyday items, including eggs. Pam Bondi, Attorney General of Florida, stated, “Americans across the country have suffered the consequences of liberal policies causing massive inflation for everyday items like eggs.”
California officials have pushed back against the lawsuit. The California Department of Justice characterized the federal complaint as an attempt to distract from the administration’s own economic policies. In a statement, they remarked, “Pointing fingers won’t change the fact that it is the President’s economic policies that have been destructive. We’ll see him in court.”
In response to the allegations, the Humane World for Animals, previously known as the Humane Society of the United States, has argued that factors such as bird flu, rather than animal welfare laws, are primarily responsible for escalating egg prices. Sara Amundson, president of the organization, emphasized that California has maintained its prohibition on selling eggs produced in cruel conditions for over a decade, a law that has been upheld by courts at various levels.
The American Egg Board, which represents the interests of egg producers, stated that it will monitor the lawsuit’s progression while adhering to California’s regulations. They acknowledged Secretary Rollins’ support in addressing the challenges posed by bird flu, emphasizing the industry’s commitment to meeting consumer demand for cage-free options.
As the lawsuit unfolds, it highlights the ongoing tension between state regulations aimed at animal welfare and federal claims of regulatory overreach. The outcome may have significant implications for both the egg industry and consumer prices across the United States.
