What Is Chevron Deference

The Supreme Court's Chevron Ruling: What It Means for Environmental Rules

What is Chevron Deference?

In 1984, the Supreme Court ruled in Chevron U.S.A., Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc. that courts should defer to federal agencies' interpretations of ambiguous statutes. This doctrine, known as Chevron deference, has been a major source of authority for federal agencies for decades.

The Court's Recent Ruling

On June 30, 2023, the Supreme Court ruled in West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency that Chevron deference does not apply to questions of statutory interpretation that do not involve agency interpretations or delegations. This ruling overturns a long-standing precedent and could have a significant impact on the power of federal agencies.

Implications for Environmental Rules

The Supreme Court's ruling could make it easier for courts to block environmental regulations issued by federal agencies. This is because courts will no longer be required to defer to the agencies' interpretations of the statutes that authorize those regulations.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court's Chevron ruling is a major blow to the power of federal agencies. It could make it more difficult for agencies to protect the environment and other important interests. The full impact of the ruling is still uncertain, but it is clear that it will have a significant impact on the way that federal agencies operate.