scotus & chevron doctrine
Credit: Daniel Huizinga/Flickr
Chevron ruling reshapes energy regulations and federal authority
The Supreme Court's decision to limit federal agency power will pose challenges for the Biden administration's climate policies and regulatory efforts.
In short:
- The Supreme Court's decision reduces the authority of federal agencies to interpret ambiguous laws, affecting regulations on emissions and electric vehicles.
- Legal experts anticipate increased litigation challenging existing and new regulations, particularly those related to climate change.
- Key Biden-era climate initiatives, such as emission reductions from power plants and electric vehicle regulations, face new legal hurdles.
Key quote:
“Where agencies appear to be carrying out sweeping and adventurous regulatory efforts to address our most pressing issues, that sort of effort is going to be immediately called into question.”
— Joel Eisen, University of Richmond law professor.
Why this matters:
This ruling could stymie efforts to mitigate climate change by increasing legal barriers to environmental regulation, potentially slowing down policies aimed at reducing climate-warming pollution. Read more: “Cancer Alley” residents exposed to more than the lifetime exposure limit for cancer-causing compound.
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Credit: Matt Wade/Flickr
Chevron deference may face changes but not complete repeal by the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court is poised to decide on the future of Chevron deference, a key doctrine for federal agencies, with potential significant changes expected instead of a full repeal.
In short:
- The Supreme Court is reviewing Chevron deference, a 40-year-old legal principle allowing federal agencies to interpret unclear laws.
- Justices may choose to limit the doctrine rather than overturn it, potentially setting new precedents for lower courts.
- Legal experts predict significant impacts on future regulatory cases if the doctrine is weakened.
Key quote:
“We cannot expect—and agencies working on rules now cannot expect—courts to defer to them in the future in the way that they deferred under Chevron.”
— Lisa Heinzerling, Georgetown University law professor
Why this matters:
Changes to Chevron deference could restrict the ability of federal agencies like the EPA to enforce regulations, impacting health and environmental policies nationwide. Read more: Supreme Court undoing 50 years’ worth of environmental progress.
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Credit: Virginia Foxx/Flickr
Supreme Court appears ready to erode Chevron doctrine
But in arguments at the court Wednesday, moderate justices raised questions about the practical impact of totally upending the 40-year-old legal doctrine.
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