Billionaire-backed efforts reshape federal regulation landscape
A decades-long campaign led by Charles Koch's network culminated in a Supreme Court decision that dismantled a key legal precedent, curbing the regulatory power of federal agencies.
Justin Jouvenal, Jon Swaine, and Ann E. Marimow report for The Washington Post.
In short:
- The Supreme Court’s 6-3 ruling ended the 40-year-old Chevron deference, limiting agencies' ability to interpret ambiguous regulations.
- Charles Koch’s network invested millions in legal groups like the New Civil Liberties Alliance to strategically challenge federal regulations.
- The ruling is expected to weaken regulations on environmental protection, workplace safety and financial oversight.
Key quote:
“Chevron is an example of one way constitutional government was breaking down. What Chevron was saying, it’s not really the courts that interpret the laws, it’s the executive branch.”
— Casey Mattox, vice president of legal strategy at Stand Together
Why this matters:
Without Chevron deference, judges will interpret regulations instead of relying on agency experts, potentially jeopardizing safeguards for public health, safety and the environment. Deregulation could lead to more pollution, weakened worker protections and compromised consumer safety.
Related: Peter Dykstra: Clearing up some myths about the seven—yes, seven—Koch Brothers
