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With a new Congress has come new hopes for federal legislation normalizing hen housing standards. Atypical for reform in animal agriculture is the support of the industry itself – the United Egg Producers have been vocal in their support of the proposed measure, which died in the 112th Congress. Humane Society of the United State President and CEO Wayne Pacelle, whose organization also supports the legislation, outlines the history of the issue.
But doesn’t HSUS want to do away with cages altogether? Reporter Brandon Blue put that question to Pacelle, who had this response.
The bill’s effects wouldn’t skip Iowa; the Hawkeye state could easily be dubbed “the Egg State.” In 2011, 14.5 billion eggs were produced in Iowa – 16% of total US egg production and easily outpacing the nearest state, Ohio, with just 7.5 billion eggs produced.
Oregon Representative Kurt Schrader is expected to bring up the egg bill in the House, while Senator Dianne Feinstein of California will introduce the legislation in the Senate. Both UEP and HSUS hope to have the legislation passed by September 30.
