Nation at Stake: Supreme Court Overturns Chevron

The Supreme Court Overturns the Chevron Doctrine: Implications Across the Nation

Introduction

The landmark decision of the Supreme Court on June 28, 2024, which overruled the Chevron doctrine, has far-reaching implications across various sectors of the nation. The decision, in the case where Atlantic herring fishermen sued the Department of Commerce, challenges the legislative delegation of authority to administrative agencies to interpret ambiguous federal laws. This commentary analyzes the impact of the Supreme Court’s decision on industries, administration, and workers in the federal system.

The Chevron Doctrine and Its Reversal

The Chevron doctrine, which was promulgated in 1984 in the case Chevron U. S. A., Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc., allowed for the delegation of authority to interpret and implement federal laws to administrative agencies rather than courts. The reason for this delegation was the expertise and specialized knowledge required in matters of science, economics, and other specialties that courts may lack. The Supreme Court’s decision in 2024 in a 6-3 ruling reversed the doctrine, putting the power of interpretation and implementation of federal laws back in the hands of the courts.

The Impact on the Environment and Climate Change

The reversal of the Chevron doctrine will have significant implications on environmental regulations. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other agencies’ efforts to regulate climate-warming pollution will be challenged, especially when defending regulations for reducing pollutants from cars, trucks, and other vehicles. Mandated transitions to electric vehicles also face challenges in defending the agency’s efforts. Furthermore, the SEC’s mandate to disclose climate risks and carbon emissions information will face increased litigation. The reversal will also affect workplace safety regulations, minimum wage, and overtime rules.

The Impact on Healthcare and the FDA

The reversal of the Chevron doctrine poses a threat to the FDA in terms of increased litigation against determinations and approvals. Industry groups may challenge government regulations on reimbursements and approvals, and this will impact outcomes and timelines for FDA approvals.

The Impact on Administration and Labour Unions

The reversal of the Chevron doctrine may impact how administrative agencies operate in the nation. The increased litigation from industry groups challenges government agency regulations and undermines the power of interpretation of federal laws by administrative agencies. Labour unions face difficulties in enforcing workplace safety regulations, minimum wage, and overtime rules.

Conclusion

The reversal of the Chevron doctrine has significant knock-on effects on industries, administration, and workers in the federal system. Congressional action may reverse the effects of the Chevron doctrine and mandate courts to give deference to administrative agencies. Irrespective of the upcoming presidential election, the effects of the Chevron doctrine’s reversal have set the trajectory of how the courts will interpret and implement federal laws in the years to come.

Originally Post From https://wildcat.arizona.edu/155601/news/n-chevron-case/