Last Wednesday, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan dismissed the Trump administration challenge to Michigan’s Hen Enclosure Law, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. In January 2026, the Trump administration sued the State of Michigan and sought to displace Michigan’s authority to ensure eggs sold within the state come from birds kept under humane conditions, arguing that the state Hen Enclosure Law was preempted by the federal Egg Products Inspection Act (EPIA). The Michigan Department of Attorney General defended the State of Michigan against this lawsuit, and preserved Michigan’s right to enforce the Hen Enclosure Law.
The administration’s complaint alleged, without any factual support, that Michigan’s Hen Enclosure Law and similar laws across the country contributed to the rising cost of eggs. U.S. District Court Judge Jane M. Beckering dismissed the federal challenge, holding that the Trump administration failed to establish standing to challenge Michigan’s Law. Specifically, Beckering found that the federal government had failed to show it was harmed by Michigan’s enforcement of the Hen Enclosure Law and failed to “establish a concrete and particularized injury to [the United States’] enforcement of EPIA.”
“I am pleased the District Court dismissed the Trump administration’s flawed assault on Michigan’s authority to protect the health and welfare of Michigan residents, as well as the animals we rely on to feed our families,” said Nessel. “This lawsuit was a thinly veiled attempt by the federal government to shift blame for higher costs at the grocery store from the President’s own failed policies to state laws that protect animal welfare.”
In 2019 the Michigan Legislature amended Michigan’s Animal Industry Act to set minimum standards for housing egg-laying hens, ensuring that eggs sold in Michigan come from animals housed in conditions that meet these minimum standards. The Hen Enclosure Law passed Michigan’s Legislature with bipartisan support, demonstrating the state’s commitment to the humane treatment of egg-laying birds. Michigan’s Hen Enclosure Law is broadly supported in the State; industry groups and animal rights groups alike intervened to defend the law against the federal lawsuit, including Michigan Allied Poultry Industries and Humane World for Animals and Animal Wellness Action.
The administration’s complaint alleged, without any factual support, that Michigan’s Hen Enclosure Law and similar laws across the country contributed to the rising cost of eggs. U.S. District Court Judge Jane M. Beckering dismissed the federal challenge, holding that the Trump administration failed to establish standing to challenge Michigan’s Law. Specifically, Beckering found that the federal government had failed to show it was harmed by Michigan’s enforcement of the Hen Enclosure Law and failed to “establish a concrete and particularized injury to [the United States’] enforcement of EPIA.”
“I am pleased the District Court dismissed the Trump administration’s flawed assault on Michigan’s authority to protect the health and welfare of Michigan residents, as well as the animals we rely on to feed our families,” said Nessel. “This lawsuit was a thinly veiled attempt by the federal government to shift blame for higher costs at the grocery store from the President’s own failed policies to state laws that protect animal welfare.”
In 2019 the Michigan Legislature amended Michigan’s Animal Industry Act to set minimum standards for housing egg-laying hens, ensuring that eggs sold in Michigan come from animals housed in conditions that meet these minimum standards. The Hen Enclosure Law passed Michigan’s Legislature with bipartisan support, demonstrating the state’s commitment to the humane treatment of egg-laying birds. Michigan’s Hen Enclosure Law is broadly supported in the State; industry groups and animal rights groups alike intervened to defend the law against the federal lawsuit, including Michigan Allied Poultry Industries and Humane World for Animals and Animal Wellness Action.
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