The Trump administration on Wednesday sued California over egg policies, saying it has driven up prices.
The administration has prioritized reducing the cost of eggs, which skyrocketed under the Biden administration following an avian flu outbreak but have since decreased considerably.
“It is the prerogative of the federal government alone to regulate the quality, inspection, and packaging of eggs,” the Justice Department wrote, citing its authority under the 1970 Egg Products Inspection Act.
Attorneys for the federal government alleged California “has contributed to the historic rise in egg prices by imposing unnecessary red tape on the production of eggs.” They added that the state has prevented “farmers across the country from using a number of agricultural production methods which were in widespread use, and which helped keep eggs affordable.”
One of the regulations at issue is California’s Proposition 12, which regulates the confinement of certain farm animals. Critics of the law say it raises prices for consumer products such as eggs and pork. The administration also wants to end AB 1437 and Proposition 2, which regulate eggs.
The Trump administration argues that although the laws were passed with the intention of increasing the quality of eggs and egg products sold in the state, “California’s egg standards do not advance consumer welfare.”
The lawsuit aims to deem the egg policies invalid.
EGG PRICES FELL IN MAY, NOW DOWN 67% SINCE PEAK UNDER TRUMP
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D-CA) office mocked the administration for the lawsuit in a post on X.
“Trump’s back to his favorite hobby: blaming California for literally everything. Next up:@CAGovernor Gavin Newsom caused the fall of Rome and sent the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs!”