Legislation would nullify our agriculture protections

Members of Congress from states that are

home to industrial agricultural interests recently introduced the Exposing Agricultural Trade Suppression (EATS) Act, which would prevent states and local jurisdictions from regulating the production or distribution of agricultural products.

If passed, this bill would allow people to seek an injunction against any state or local regulation about agricultural products that is stronger than the federal standard. Additionally, because of the bill’s broad definition of “agricultural products,” this could include laws that protect food safety, animal welfare, environmental quality or farm workers.

Colorado passed legislation in 2008 that phased out inhumane gestation crates and veal crates. In 2020, our state legislature also passed House Bill 1343 that phased out both the use of restrictive battery cages for egg-laying hens as well as the in-state sale of products from these systems, ensuring inhumane products stay out of Colorado markets.

If enacted, the EATS Act would force states like Colorado to overturn similar farm animal protection laws, forcing citizens to — against our will — allow the sale of products from inhumane farms. For these reasons, I urge Rep. Jason Crow and Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper not to cosponsor the EATS Act and to vote “no” if it comes up for consideration.

Coloradans are counting on our elected officials to uphold the laws we have in place to protect animals, people, and the environment.

Elaine Tharpe Knox, Centennial

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