Chevron Ruling

Supreme Court Limits Chevron Deference, Restricting Federal Agencies' Regulatory Powers

Landmark Decision Overturns 1984 Precedent

Supreme Court Rules 6-3 Against Chevron Deference

The Supreme Court has significantly weakened the authority of federal agencies to issue regulations in a landmark decision that overturns a 38-year-old precedent. The 6-3 ruling on Friday restricts agencies' ability to interpret laws and enact regulations, limiting the scope of their authority.

The decision effectively ends a legal doctrine known as Chevron deference, which required lower courts to defer to federal agencies' interpretations of laws they administer. Established in a 1984 Supreme Court case (Natural Resources Defense Council Inc 467 US 837 1984), Chevron deference has been a cornerstone of administrative law, giving agencies broad latitude in implementing and enforcing statutes.

The Supreme Court's ruling is a major victory for the conservative legal movement, which has long aimed to limit the power of federal agencies. The decision is expected to have a significant impact on a wide range of regulations, including environmental, health, and financial rules.