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SCOTUS hears Prop 12 oral arguments

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments Tuesday for a case that challenges California’s Proposition 12.

Proposition 12 would make it illegal to sell pork in California unless the animal is raised in a specific manner.

Michael Formica, Chief Legal Strategist with the National Pork Producers Council, says he’s confident NPPC presented a strong case that challenged the constitutionality of Prop 12.

“If let stand, it would have a tremendous impact on the US economy and on the flow of commerce across (state) borders,” Formica said. “We feel very hopeful after today’s argument.”

NPPC President Terry Wolters says the organization contends that one state should not be able to regulate commerce in another state and set arbitrary standards.

“Operating with a constant back drop and uncertainty, new impending legislation makes it very difficult to run any business, let alone a farm,” Wolters said. “Proposition 12 is not good for my animals, it’s not good for the consumers, and it’s definitely a challenge for the future of farming.”

The Humane Society of the United States argued in favor of Prop 12. Humane Society CEO Kitty Block says, “states have the right to keep immoral and unsafe products out of their markets, including pork from cruelly confined pigs.”

The Supreme Court has until the end of its term in June 2023 to render a decision.