Egg industry participants in 13 states have jointly
filed a Supreme Court challenge to a California law requiring any eggs sold there
to come from hens that have space to stretch out in their cages.
The 13 states say the law has cost consumers
nationwide up to $350 million a year because of higher egg prices since it took
effect in 2015.
The lawsuit argues that California's requirements
violate the U.S. Constitution's interstate commerce clause and are pre-empted
by federal law.
A federal appeals court panel rejected similar claims
last year in a separate case brought by six states, ruling that they failed to
show California's law would affect more than just individual farmers.
This lawsuit cites an economic analysis of the
California law. It also asks the Supreme Court to take up the case directly
instead of requiring that it first move through the lower courts.
It seems ridiculous to me that some politicians pay more attention to the welfare of hens than children.
