Supreme Court Curtails Federal Agency Power

Landmark Ruling in 2023-24 Term

Challenging the Chevron Deference Doctrine

June 28, 2024—The Supreme Court has issued a groundbreaking decision that significantly limits the regulatory authority of federal agencies. In a major ruling, the Court determined that the Chevron Deference Doctrine, which has granted agencies broad discretion in interpreting their own regulations, oversteps the Court's intended framework for administrative law.

The ruling came in response to three consolidated cases heard during the 2023-24 term. Conservative forces have been actively pursuing efforts to curtail the power of federal agencies, arguing that the Chevron Deference Doctrine has given agencies excessive authority to regulate various industries and aspects of American life.

The Supreme Court's opinion, delivered by Justice Gorsuch, asserted that the Chevron Deference Doctrine "offends the plain language and purpose of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA)." Justice Gorsuch further argued that the Court's previous precedents had failed to reconcile the doctrine with the APA's framework for judicial review of agency action.

The ruling represents a significant victory for those who have been critical of the Chevron Deference Doctrine. It is expected to have far-reaching implications for the ability of federal agencies to regulate industries, including environmental protection, workplace safety, and healthcare.

The Supreme Court's decision is likely to be a major topic of debate and analysis in the coming months and years. It remains to be seen how the agencies will adjust to their reduced authority and how the courts will interpret the limits imposed by the ruling.