Press Releases

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, the United States Supreme Court ruled to uphold California’s Proposition 12, which mandates a variety of animal production standards and would specifically ban the in-state sale of pork from hogs not raised in accordance with the California law, even if those hogs were raised in other states. Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15), Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, and Tracey Mann (KS-01), Chairman of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry, released the following statements:

"I certainly respect the authority of the individual States and I appreciate the Supreme Court’s instinct to exercise caution when adjudicating conflicting state interests. That said, I am disappointed in today’s decision on California’s Proposition 12. U.S producers simply cannot operate in a system where one state can dictate production standards for the entire country," said Chairman Thompson. "I will continue to review today’s decision and explore solutions that ensure the hardworking farmers and ranchers who put the food on the tables of the American people can do so without being unduly burdened by excessive regulation."

“States have the right to govern affairs within their borders, but today’s ruling is a gross misstep by the Supreme Court as it not only threatens the livelihoods of American hog farmers, but also sets a terrible precedent for interstate commerce,” said Rep. Mann. “This decision opens the door to unthinkable, unscientific regulatory overreach against all producers. Today it’s the pig pen, tomorrow it’s the whole barnyard.”

BACKGROUND:  Proposition 12 bans the sale of pork within the state of California unless pregnant sows are allowed at least 24 square feet of space and the ability to stand up and turn around in their pens. Read the full Supreme Court decision here.