Two companion bills, H.R. 5504 and S. 2811, would require the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to withdraw two proposed Endangered Species Act (ESA) rules: a rule that would improve interagency consultation processes for actions impacting endangered or threatened species and a rule that would rescind a Trump Administration regulation that allows for economic impacts to be considered in ESA listing decisions. Both also would require FWS to withdraw a proposed ESA rule reversing a Trump Administration change that removed certain automatic protections for threatened species. The House bill was introduced by Representatives Dan Newhouse, Harriet Hageman, Lauren Boebert, and Jerry Carl and has been referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources. The Senate bill was introduced by Senator Cynthia Lummis along with 16 original cosponsors and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Issue 208
This Week's Spotlights
Legislative Spotlights
Bills Would Prevent Reversal of Trump Administration ESA Rollbacks
Bill Would Require Meat and Poultry Labels to Include Country of Origin, Slaughter Date, Package Date, and Freeze Date
H.R. 5462 would amend the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act to require that meat and poultry product labels include slaughter date, package date, freeze date for frozen products, and country of origin (as well as state of origin for products of U.S. origin). Previous efforts to require country of origin labeling on beef and pork products were reversed after the World Trade Organization ruled against the U.S. regulation. The bill was introduced by Rep. George Santos and has been referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
H.R. 5462 would amend the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act to require that meat and poultry product labels include slaughter date, package date, freeze date for frozen products, and country of origin (as well as state of origin for products of U.S. origin). Previous efforts to require country of origin labeling on beef and pork products were reversed after the World Trade Organization ruled against the U.S. regulation. The bill was introduced by Rep. George Santos and has been referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
Ohio Bill Would Create Tax Credit for Companion Animal-Friendly Landlords While Prohibiting Pet Fees and Discriminatory Policies
Ohio House Bill 277 would create a $750 per-dwelling tax credit for landlords who allow residents with companion animals. Landlords who claim the credit would be precluded from imposing nonrefundable pet fees on tenants or restrictions on breed or size. The bill has not yet been assigned to a committee.
Ohio House Bill 277 would create a $750 per-dwelling tax credit for landlords who allow residents with companion animals. Landlords who claim the credit would be precluded from imposing nonrefundable pet fees on tenants or restrictions on breed or size. The bill has not yet been assigned to a committee.
Agency Spotlights
CDC Opens Public Comment Period on Draft Framework to Address Zoonotic Diseases in the United States
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is soliciting public comments on the draft “National One Health Framework to Address Zoonotic Diseases and Advance Public Health Preparedness in the United States: A Framework for One Health Coordination and Collaboration Across Federal Agencies.” CDC developed the draft framework in coordination with the U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and other federal agencies. The CDC will accept public comments on the draft framework through November 6, 2023.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is soliciting public comments on the draft “National One Health Framework to Address Zoonotic Diseases and Advance Public Health Preparedness in the United States: A Framework for One Health Coordination and Collaboration Across Federal Agencies.” CDC developed the draft framework in coordination with the U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and other federal agencies. The CDC will accept public comments on the draft framework through November 6, 2023.
Other Spotlights
Labor Department Investigates Use of Child Labor at Tyson and Perdue Slaughterhouses
Following reporting by the New York Times Magazine, the U.S. Department of Labor is investigating the illegal use of child labor at slaughterhouses owned by Tyson Foods (Tyson) and Perdue Farms (Perdue). Given the high-risk nature of the work, the use of minor workers at slaughterhouses is banned under federal law. The New York Times investigation alleges, however, that Tyson and Perdue contracted with companies that were employing migrant children. According to the reporting, the children were used to clean Tyson and Perdue’s slaughterhouses and some suffered horrific injuries. Following the reporting, Senator Josh Hawley sent a letter to Tyson’s CEO seeking information and commitments to independently audit and end contracts related to the illegal use of child labor. Senators Tim Kaine and Cory Booker and Representative Hillary Scholten reportedly “said they would push for legislation and increased funding to hold companies accountable.”
Following reporting by the New York Times Magazine, the U.S. Department of Labor is investigating the illegal use of child labor at slaughterhouses owned by Tyson Foods (Tyson) and Perdue Farms (Perdue). Given the high-risk nature of the work, the use of minor workers at slaughterhouses is banned under federal law. The New York Times investigation alleges, however, that Tyson and Perdue contracted with companies that were employing migrant children. According to the reporting, the children were used to clean Tyson and Perdue’s slaughterhouses and some suffered horrific injuries. Following the reporting, Senator Josh Hawley sent a letter to Tyson’s CEO seeking information and commitments to independently audit and end contracts related to the illegal use of child labor. Senators Tim Kaine and Cory Booker and Representative Hillary Scholten reportedly “said they would push for legislation and increased funding to hold companies accountable.”
Legislative Updates
Pending Federal Actions
Bills Would Prevent Reversal of Trump Administration ESA Rollbacks
Two companion bills, H.R. 5504 and S. 2811, would require the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to withdraw two proposed Endangered Species Act (ESA) rules: a rule that would improve interagency consultation processes for actions impacting endangered or threatened species and a rule that would rescind a Trump Administration regulation that allows for economic impacts to be considered in ESA listing decisions. Both also would require FWS to withdraw a proposed ESA rule reversing a Trump Administration change that removed certain automatic protections for threatened species. The House bill was introduced by Representatives Dan Newhouse, Harriet Hageman, Lauren Boebert, and Jerry Carl and has been referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources. The Senate bill was introduced by Senator Cynthia Lummis along with 16 original cosponsors and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Two companion bills, H.R. 5504 and S. 2811, would require the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to withdraw two proposed Endangered Species Act (ESA) rules: a rule that would improve interagency consultation processes for actions impacting endangered or threatened species and a rule that would rescind a Trump Administration regulation that allows for economic impacts to be considered in ESA listing decisions. Both also would require FWS to withdraw a proposed ESA rule reversing a Trump Administration change that removed certain automatic protections for threatened species. The House bill was introduced by Representatives Dan Newhouse, Harriet Hageman, Lauren Boebert, and Jerry Carl and has been referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources. The Senate bill was introduced by Senator Cynthia Lummis along with 16 original cosponsors and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Bill Would Require Meat and Poultry Labels to Include Country of Origin, Slaughter Date, Package Date, and Freeze Date
H.R. 5462 would amend the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act to require that meat and poultry product labels include slaughter date, package date, freeze date for frozen products, and country of origin (as well as state of origin for products of U.S. origin). Previous efforts to require country of origin labeling on beef and pork products were reversed after the World Trade Organization ruled against the U.S. regulation. The bill was introduced by Rep. George Santos and has been referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
H.R. 5462 would amend the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act to require that meat and poultry product labels include slaughter date, package date, freeze date for frozen products, and country of origin (as well as state of origin for products of U.S. origin). Previous efforts to require country of origin labeling on beef and pork products were reversed after the World Trade Organization ruled against the U.S. regulation. The bill was introduced by Rep. George Santos and has been referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
Bill Would Expand Organic Agricultural Research
S. 2756, the “Streamlining Organic Research Act of 2023,” would establish the “Coordinating and Expanding Organic Research Initiative” to coordinate and expand resources dedicated to organic agricultural research at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The bill was introduced by Senators John Fetterman and Mike Braun and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
S. 2756, the “Streamlining Organic Research Act of 2023,” would establish the “Coordinating and Expanding Organic Research Initiative” to coordinate and expand resources dedicated to organic agricultural research at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The bill was introduced by Senators John Fetterman and Mike Braun and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Bill Would Exclude Captive Sturgeon from ESA
S. 2870, the “Sturgeon Conservation and Sustainability Act,” would amend the Endangered Species Act (ESA) to exclude sturgeon currently held in captivity or in controlled environments, such as farmed sturgeon, and their progeny from key ESA provisions. The bill was introduced by Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.
S. 2870, the “Sturgeon Conservation and Sustainability Act,” would amend the Endangered Species Act (ESA) to exclude sturgeon currently held in captivity or in controlled environments, such as farmed sturgeon, and their progeny from key ESA provisions. The bill was introduced by Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Pending State Actions
Ohio Bill Would Create Tax Credit for Companion Animal-Friendly Landlords While Prohibiting Pet Fees and Discriminatory Policies
Ohio House Bill 277 would create a $750 per-dwelling tax credit for landlords who allow residents with companion animals. Landlords who claim the credit would be precluded from imposing nonrefundable pet fees on tenants or restrictions on breed or size. The bill has not yet been assigned to a committee.
Ohio House Bill 277 would create a $750 per-dwelling tax credit for landlords who allow residents with companion animals. Landlords who claim the credit would be precluded from imposing nonrefundable pet fees on tenants or restrictions on breed or size. The bill has not yet been assigned to a committee.
Wisconsin Bill Would Designate Monarch Butterfly as State Butterfly
Wisconsin Senate Bill 443 would designate the monarch butterfly as the Wisconsin State Butterfly. The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Government Operations.
Wisconsin Senate Bill 443 would designate the monarch butterfly as the Wisconsin State Butterfly. The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Government Operations.
Case Law Updates
Federal Court Updates
Federal Judge Admits Alleged Co-Conspirator Statements in Antitrust Case Alleging Major Egg Producers Conspired to Restrict Supply to Inflate Prices
The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois held that Kraft Foods Global, Inc., The Kellogg Company, General Mills, Inc., and Nestlé USA, Inc. met their burden of showing, for purposes of admitting statements made by alleged co-conspirators at an upcoming antitrust trial, that it was more likely than not that United Egg Producers, Inc., United States Egg Marketers, Inc., Cal-Maine Foods, Inc., and Rose Acre Farms, Inc., had conspired to inflate egg prices. Plaintiffs allege that egg producers artificially restricted their supply to inflate prices between at least 1999 and 2008. U.S. District Judge Steven Seeger conditionally admitted almost all statements sought in plaintiffs’ proffer.
The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois held that Kraft Foods Global, Inc., The Kellogg Company, General Mills, Inc., and Nestlé USA, Inc. met their burden of showing, for purposes of admitting statements made by alleged co-conspirators at an upcoming antitrust trial, that it was more likely than not that United Egg Producers, Inc., United States Egg Marketers, Inc., Cal-Maine Foods, Inc., and Rose Acre Farms, Inc., had conspired to inflate egg prices. Plaintiffs allege that egg producers artificially restricted their supply to inflate prices between at least 1999 and 2008. U.S. District Judge Steven Seeger conditionally admitted almost all statements sought in plaintiffs’ proffer.
Conservation Groups Allege Forest Service Improperly Approved a Major Logging Project that Jeopardizes Wildlife in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
The Center for Biological Diversity, Alliance for the Wild Rockies, and Council on Wildlife and Fish sued the U.S. Forest Service (“Service”) in the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana. The lawsuit challenges the Service’s approval of a major clear cutting and commercial logging project near Yellowstone National Park. Plaintiffs argue that the project would destroy habitat for threatened grizzly bears, lynx, and other species and that agency actions related to the project violate the Endangered Species Act. Plaintiffs are seeking declaratory judgment and vacatur or injunctive relief.
The Center for Biological Diversity, Alliance for the Wild Rockies, and Council on Wildlife and Fish sued the U.S. Forest Service (“Service”) in the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana. The lawsuit challenges the Service’s approval of a major clear cutting and commercial logging project near Yellowstone National Park. Plaintiffs argue that the project would destroy habitat for threatened grizzly bears, lynx, and other species and that agency actions related to the project violate the Endangered Species Act. Plaintiffs are seeking declaratory judgment and vacatur or injunctive relief.
Conservation Group Alleges that Maritime Administration Failed to Perform Required Consultation Related to Impact of New Marine Highway Designation on Endangered Whales
The Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) sent a notice of intent to sue the U.S. Maritime Administration within the U.S. Department of Transportation pursuant to the citizen suit provision of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). CBD alleges that the agency violated Section 7 of the ESA by failing to perform the requisite programmatic consultation related to the designation of a new Marine Highway Route because increased vessel traffic on the new Marine Highway could impact endangered whales, such as the North Pacific right whale and the fin whale, and other wildlife along Alaskan coast. As CBD quotes in its notice, Section 7 of the ESA requires federal agencies to ensure that any agency action “is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered species or threatened species.”
The Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) sent a notice of intent to sue the U.S. Maritime Administration within the U.S. Department of Transportation pursuant to the citizen suit provision of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). CBD alleges that the agency violated Section 7 of the ESA by failing to perform the requisite programmatic consultation related to the designation of a new Marine Highway Route because increased vessel traffic on the new Marine Highway could impact endangered whales, such as the North Pacific right whale and the fin whale, and other wildlife along Alaskan coast. As CBD quotes in its notice, Section 7 of the ESA requires federal agencies to ensure that any agency action “is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered species or threatened species.”
Conservation Groups Appeal Federal Court Ruling on Oil and Gas Lease Sale that Impacts Endangered Rice’s Whales
The Sierra Club, Center for Biological Diversity, Friends of the Earth, and Turtle Island Restoration Network appealed a court order from the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana. The court order granted a preliminary injunction request from the oil industry and the State of Louisiana to remove protections for the critically endangered Rice’s whale that were included in Lease Sale 261. The protections include speed limits to reduce the risk of vessel strikes and the exclusion of approximately 6 million acres of proposed critical Rice’s whale habitat from the 67.3 million acre lease sale in the Gulf of Mexico. Appellants are seeking an emergency stay pending the appeal.
The Sierra Club, Center for Biological Diversity, Friends of the Earth, and Turtle Island Restoration Network appealed a court order from the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana. The court order granted a preliminary injunction request from the oil industry and the State of Louisiana to remove protections for the critically endangered Rice’s whale that were included in Lease Sale 261. The protections include speed limits to reduce the risk of vessel strikes and the exclusion of approximately 6 million acres of proposed critical Rice’s whale habitat from the 67.3 million acre lease sale in the Gulf of Mexico. Appellants are seeking an emergency stay pending the appeal.
State Court Updates
Former Columbus Zoo Executives Indicted on 90 Criminal Counts of Money Laundering and Other Financial Crimes
The Ohio Attorney General’s Office announced the indictment of three former Columbus Zoo executives on 90 criminal counts of alleged aggravated theft, tampering with records, bribery, telecommunications fraud, falsification, money laundering, extortion, conspiracy, and engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity. Two of the former zoo executives resigned amid a flurry of media attention over their alleged scheme to defraud the zoo of more than $2 million. In October 2021, the Columbus Zoo—led at the time by one of the indicted executives—lost its accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) as a result of its purported financial mismanagement and involvement with supplying big cats for use in entertainment. The zoo regained AZA accreditation in March 2023.
The Ohio Attorney General’s Office announced the indictment of three former Columbus Zoo executives on 90 criminal counts of alleged aggravated theft, tampering with records, bribery, telecommunications fraud, falsification, money laundering, extortion, conspiracy, and engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity. Two of the former zoo executives resigned amid a flurry of media attention over their alleged scheme to defraud the zoo of more than $2 million. In October 2021, the Columbus Zoo—led at the time by one of the indicted executives—lost its accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) as a result of its purported financial mismanagement and involvement with supplying big cats for use in entertainment. The zoo regained AZA accreditation in March 2023.
Agency Updates
FSIS Announces Public Health Alert for SPAM Due to Under Processing
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert for SPAM due to under processing and is recommending that the product should not be consumed. FSIS did not announce a recall because it is believed that the product is no longer available for purchase.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert for SPAM due to under processing and is recommending that the product should not be consumed. FSIS did not announce a recall because it is believed that the product is no longer available for purchase.
NMFS Opens Public Comment Period on Proposal to Protect Whales from Buoy Lines in the North Atlantic
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is proposing an amendment to the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan to expand the boundaries of the Massachusetts Restricted Area to include the Massachusetts Restricted Area Wedge. Through the proposed amendment, NMFS seeks to provide greater protection for North Atlantic right whales who are at “imminent risk” from buoy lines in the area. The expanded protections will also reduce the risk to fin whales and humpback whales. NMFS is accepting public comments on the proposed rule change through October 18, 2023.
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is proposing an amendment to the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan to expand the boundaries of the Massachusetts Restricted Area to include the Massachusetts Restricted Area Wedge. Through the proposed amendment, NMFS seeks to provide greater protection for North Atlantic right whales who are at “imminent risk” from buoy lines in the area. The expanded protections will also reduce the risk to fin whales and humpback whales. NMFS is accepting public comments on the proposed rule change through October 18, 2023.
FWS Announces Availability of Final EIS for Experimental Population of Gray Wolves in Colorado
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) announced the availability of a final environmental impact statement and draft record of decision under the National Environmental Policy Act for FWS’s intended action of establishing a nonessential experimental population of gray wolves in Colorado.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) announced the availability of a final environmental impact statement and draft record of decision under the National Environmental Policy Act for FWS’s intended action of establishing a nonessential experimental population of gray wolves in Colorado.
CDC Opens Public Comment Period on Draft Framework to Address Zoonotic Diseases in the United States
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is soliciting public comments on the draft “National One Health Framework to Address Zoonotic Diseases and Advance Public Health Preparedness in the United States: A Framework for One Health Coordination and Collaboration Across Federal Agencies.” CDC developed the draft framework in coordination with the U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and other federal agencies. The CDC will accept public comments on the draft framework through November 6, 2023.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is soliciting public comments on the draft “National One Health Framework to Address Zoonotic Diseases and Advance Public Health Preparedness in the United States: A Framework for One Health Coordination and Collaboration Across Federal Agencies.” CDC developed the draft framework in coordination with the U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and other federal agencies. The CDC will accept public comments on the draft framework through November 6, 2023.
FWS Announces ESA Listing Decisions for Multiple Species
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) announced a series of Endangered Species Act findings. FWS announced that it found that delisting the southern sea otter is not warranted at this time. FWS further announced that it found that listing the Cascades frog, plains spotted skunk, sicklefin chub, sturgeon chub, Tennessee cave salamander, and Yazoo crayfish is not warranted at this time. FWS invites the public to share new information at any time that is relevant to the status of these animals or their habitats.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) announced a series of Endangered Species Act findings. FWS announced that it found that delisting the southern sea otter is not warranted at this time. FWS further announced that it found that listing the Cascades frog, plains spotted skunk, sicklefin chub, sturgeon chub, Tennessee cave salamander, and Yazoo crayfish is not warranted at this time. FWS invites the public to share new information at any time that is relevant to the status of these animals or their habitats.
NMFS Considers Authorizing the Take of Marine Mammals Incidental to New Jersey Offshore Wind Projects
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announced that it has received a request for Incidental Take Regulations (ITRs) and associated Letters of Authorization (LOAs) pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act related to the take of marine mammals between 2025–2029. The takings would be incidental to the construction of the Atlantic Shores South wind projects located offshore of New Jersey. NMFS will accept public comments on the proposed ITRs and LOAs through October 23, 2023.
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announced that it has received a request for Incidental Take Regulations (ITRs) and associated Letters of Authorization (LOAs) pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act related to the take of marine mammals between 2025–2029. The takings would be incidental to the construction of the Atlantic Shores South wind projects located offshore of New Jersey. NMFS will accept public comments on the proposed ITRs and LOAs through October 23, 2023.
Other Updates
Vermont Advocacy Group Calls for Hunter to Be Charged with Animal Cruelty
Protect Our Wildlife, a Vermont animal advocacy group, is calling for a 21-year-old man to be charged with animal cruelty for allowing a buck to suffer for an extended period of time after shooting the animal with a crossbow. The advocacy group argues that the hunting exemption in Vermont’s animal cruelty law should not apply to “gratuitous cruelty.” Currently, the man has been charged with “the illegal importation and stocking of wild animals” for bringing the buck back to a barn while the animal was still alive. The man also has been charged with 16 hunting law violations related to separate incidents, including taking big game out of season and shooting game from a motor vehicle.
Protect Our Wildlife, a Vermont animal advocacy group, is calling for a 21-year-old man to be charged with animal cruelty for allowing a buck to suffer for an extended period of time after shooting the animal with a crossbow. The advocacy group argues that the hunting exemption in Vermont’s animal cruelty law should not apply to “gratuitous cruelty.” Currently, the man has been charged with “the illegal importation and stocking of wild animals” for bringing the buck back to a barn while the animal was still alive. The man also has been charged with 16 hunting law violations related to separate incidents, including taking big game out of season and shooting game from a motor vehicle.
Labor Department Investigates Use of Child Labor at Tyson and Perdue Slaughterhouses
Following reporting by the New York Times Magazine, the U.S. Department of Labor is investigating the illegal use of child labor at slaughterhouses owned by Tyson Foods (Tyson) and Perdue Farms (Perdue). Given the high-risk nature of the work, the use of minor workers at slaughterhouses is banned under federal law. The New York Times investigation alleges, however, that Tyson and Perdue contracted with companies that were employing migrant children. According to the reporting, the children were used to clean Tyson and Perdue’s slaughterhouses and some suffered horrific injuries. Following the reporting, Senator Josh Hawley sent a letter to Tyson’s CEO seeking information and commitments to independently audit and end contracts related to the illegal use of child labor. Senators Tim Kaine and Cory Booker and Representative Hillary Scholten reportedly “said they would push for legislation and increased funding to hold companies accountable.”
Following reporting by the New York Times Magazine, the U.S. Department of Labor is investigating the illegal use of child labor at slaughterhouses owned by Tyson Foods (Tyson) and Perdue Farms (Perdue). Given the high-risk nature of the work, the use of minor workers at slaughterhouses is banned under federal law. The New York Times investigation alleges, however, that Tyson and Perdue contracted with companies that were employing migrant children. According to the reporting, the children were used to clean Tyson and Perdue’s slaughterhouses and some suffered horrific injuries. Following the reporting, Senator Josh Hawley sent a letter to Tyson’s CEO seeking information and commitments to independently audit and end contracts related to the illegal use of child labor. Senators Tim Kaine and Cory Booker and Representative Hillary Scholten reportedly “said they would push for legislation and increased funding to hold companies accountable.”
16 Attorneys General Call for Rejection of EATS Act and Similar Legislation
In a letter led by the Attorneys General of Michigan and Illinois, 16 Attorneys General wrote in “strong opposition to the Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression (‘EATS’) Act,” H.R. 4417 and S. 2019. Asserting that the “[EATS] Act is a severe incursion into the rights of States and local governments to regulate agricultural products sold within their jurisdictions” and that its enactment “would up-end th[e] crucial balance of federal and state authority,” the Attorneys General urged congressional leadership to “reject the EATS Act or any similar bill.”
In a letter led by the Attorneys General of Michigan and Illinois, 16 Attorneys General wrote in “strong opposition to the Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression (‘EATS’) Act,” H.R. 4417 and S. 2019. Asserting that the “[EATS] Act is a severe incursion into the rights of States and local governments to regulate agricultural products sold within their jurisdictions” and that its enactment “would up-end th[e] crucial balance of federal and state authority,” the Attorneys General urged congressional leadership to “reject the EATS Act or any similar bill.”