Michigan, Colorado Eye Repeal of Cage-Free Egg Laws

In response to soaring egg prices, state lawmakers in Michigan and Colorado are proposing bills to repeal cage-free egg laws. Michigan Senator Lana Theis argues that the current law burdens farmers and contributes to the price surge, exacerbated by the avian flu epidemic that has led to the loss of millions of hens. Similarly, Colorado's proposed repeal, backed by Rep. Ryan Gonzalez, faces skepticism as experts attribute higher egg prices primarily to bird flu, not cage-free requirements. The Colorado Egg Producers Association reports that transitioning to cage-free systems increases production costs by 16-18%, but they oppose the repeal, emphasizing that the flu is the main price driver. Both states' legislative efforts reflect ongoing debates over balancing animal welfare, economic impacts, and consumer costs in the face of external challenges like disease outbreaks.