Baylen Linnekin on California's Bullying Food Rules

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Eggs
Public Domain

Earlier this week, Chris Koster, the attorney general of Missouri, filed an extraordinary lawsuit against the State of California. Koster is asking the federal court to overturn a California law set to take effect in 2015 that requires farmers across the country to conform to California regulations pertaining to the dimensions of cages for housing egg-laying hens. The issue is whether California lawmakers can dictate how farmers in other states raise their animals. The case raises serious constitutional questions about the California egg law—and other laws in the state. That's why win or lose, writes Baylen Linnekin, the lawsuit could have far-reaching implications.