A judge tossed a lawsuit brought by President Donald Trump's administration challenging a Michigan law requiring all eggs sold in the state come from cage-free hens.
The administration filed the lawsuit
in January in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan arguing that the state law attempted to usurp federal authority over regulating eggs. It also alleged the Michigan law jacked up prices.
U.S. District Court Judge Jane Beckering, an appointee of Democratic former President Joe Biden, dismissed the challenge on Wednesday, Oct. 7, finding that the administration lacked standing.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel celebrated the legal victory as puncturing an attempt by the Trump administration to blame the animal welfare law for high prices.
"I am pleased the District Court dismissed the Trump administration’s flawed assault on Michigan’s authority to protect the health and welfare of Michigan residents, as well as the animals we rely on to feed our families," Nessel said in a Oct. 9 statement.
Grocery prices are among the many cost-of-living concerns at play in the upcoming midterm election as candidates from both parties vow to make life more affordable.
In 2019, Michigan lawmakers amended the Animal Industry Act to establish the cage-free standards with an exception for small farmers.
Free Press staff writer Arpan Lobo contributed with prior reporting
Contact Clara Hendrickson at chendrickson@freepress.com or 313-296-5743.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Judge tosses Trump challenge to Michigan's cage-free egg law
