Add your voice to protect sustainable agriculture, animals, the environment and workers
A few years ago Ohio Sustainable Business Council was part of a coalition opposing the King Amendment, sponsored by Rep. Steve King at the behest of Big Ag. The King Amendment aimed to block numerous state laws protecting sustainable agriculture, animals, the environment and workers. Fortunately, the King Amendment was thwarted, but now King’s allies are at it again.
Big Ag is suing to overturn Proposition 12 in California, a widely-supported measure that places food safety and animal welfare restrictions on CAFOs. Big Ag is trying to get Proposition 12 overturned so it can use the precedent to overturn other critical laws. Unfortunately, the previous administration filed “amicus briefs” in support of the lawsuits.
The previous administration’s briefs argue for a narrow interpretation of states’ rights and seek to limit states’ ability to legislate. They advance a theory that, if accepted, could prevent a state from regulating a sale within its borders of any product made in another state, no matter how hazardous the product or unacceptable the production process. It could also prevent states from regulating professions and services within their borders.
Because the Tenth Amendment of the Constitution provides that powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved to the States, the U.S. Supreme Court has long recognized the broad latitude of states to enact laws that protect public health, safety, and welfare by regulating the sale of goods and services within state borders. This position directly undermines this controlling precedent that preserves the states’ power to serve as laboratories of democracy, where they can advance new policies to protect their citizens.
Once again, OSBC is part of a coalition that’s sending a joint letter to the Biden administration asking it to revoke the federal government’s support of the Big Ag lawsuits. Would you join us? Here is a link for your review. Please simply respond “yes” if we can add your name to the letter.
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