In a far-reaching decision, the Supreme Court overturned a 40-year-old ruling known as Chevron that instructed lower courts to defer to federal agencies when laws passed by Congress are unclear. The 6-3 ruling is seen as a blow to government regulation by conservatives and business groups who argue it grants too much power to the executive branch. The decision could impact regulations on the environment, public health, workplace safety, and other issues.
The Biden administration has warned that overturning Chevron deference could bring instability and a “convulsive shock” to the legal system. Chief Justice John Roberts stated that federal judges must independently assess whether agencies have acted within their statutory authority.
The ruling could open the door to legal challenges against regulations issued by federal agencies, impacting policies on emissions, student loan forgiveness, overtime pay, affordable housing, and more. Groups representing various industries, including the gun industry, tobacco, agriculture, timber, and homebuilding, had pushed for overturning Chevron to weaken government regulation.
Critics fear that giving judges more power could lead to the erosion of critical protections for people and the environment. The decision represents a shift of power from the executive branch and Congress to the courts, according to legal experts. The ruling is seen as historic irony, with conservatives who once praised Chevron now attacking it as a way to weaken the federal government’s regulatory authority.
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