In a classic case of unintended consequences, Nevada’s well-intentioned 2021 mandate requiring the sale of only cage-free eggs has collided head-on with a devastating avian flu outbreak, leading to a severe egg shortage and soaring prices. Now, state lawmakers are scrambling to mitigate the damage.

Assembly Bill 171, introduced by Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager and Assemblymember Howard Watts, both Democrats from Las Vegas, proposes granting the state’s quarantine officer authority to temporarily suspend the cage-free requirement during events that disrupt the national egg supply chain, such as disease outbreaks or natural disasters. The suspension would last up to 120 days and could be enacted twice per calendar year, with a minimum 14-day notice before ending.

The urgency of this proposal is underscored by the staggering statistics: since 2022, the avian flu has led to the culling of over 156 million birds nationwide, causing egg prices to skyrocket by 36.8% from December 2023 to December 2024. The U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts an additional 20.3% increase this year.

Local businesses are feeling the pinch. Comma Coffee, a café across from the Legislative Building, has resorted to adding a $1 surcharge to every egg dish, citing the extraordinary cost increases.

While the cage-free mandate was undoubtedly aimed at improving animal welfare, it has inadvertently exacerbated supply issues during this crisis. This situation serves as a stark reminder of the importance of considering economic impacts and supply chain realities when crafting legislation. As Nevada grapples with these challenges, one must ask: are well-meaning regulations causing more harm than good?

Source: Las Vegas Review-Journal

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