The Trump administration has taken legal action against California over a law that it claims is driving up the prices of eggs, poultry, and pork. The lawsuit, filed on Wednesday, names California Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta as defendants. The focus is on Proposition 12, a measure passed by voters in 2018 that sets stricter standards for how chickens, pigs, and calves are raised by vendors selling in California.
The Justice Department argues that California’s regulations limit farming methods that have been widely used across the country, which helps keep food prices down. In the lawsuit, officials say these rules are an attempt to override federal standards established by the Egg Products Inspection Act of 1970.
This legal move aligns with President Trump’s goal to tackle rising living costs, a priority he emphasized in an executive order on his first day in office. Recently, Trump highlighted a significant drop in egg prices, which fell from a peak of $8.17 per dozen during a bird flu outbreak to $2.54 by July.
Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that the administration aims to relieve American families from what she calls "oppressive regulatory burdens." She criticized the impact of California’s policies, claiming they contribute to inflation on essential items like eggs.
A report from the Center for the Environment and Welfare reveals that many Californians oppose these regulations, which were backed by anti-meat activists. These groups invested around $13 million to support Proposition 12, which they argue is aimed at promoting animal welfare.
According to the report, Proposition 12 has led to a 20% increase in pork prices and has raised egg prices significantly, with some consumers facing costs as high as $10 per dozen since the law took effect in 2022. Critics, including Jack Hubbard, the executive director of the Center for the Environment and Welfare, argue that individuals outside California are also feeling the financial strain caused by the state’s regulations.
As the lawsuit unfolds, it highlights a growing divide between federal and state regulations in the agricultural sector, with potential implications for food prices across the nation.