Supreme Court Curtails Federal Agency Power
Historic Ruling Weakens Chevron Deference
Key Findings
- The Supreme Court ruled on June 28, 2024, to limit the power of federal agencies.
- The ruling came in one of three cases seeking to curtail agency authority.
- The decision weakens the long-standing Chevron deference doctrine, which granted agencies wide latitude in interpreting and applying statutes.
In a significant shift, the Supreme Court's decision represents a major victory for conservative efforts to curb the power of the federal government.
Justice Brett Kavanaugh, in a dissenting opinion, expressed concern that the ruling would lead to "shocks" in the legal system. However, the majority, including Chief Justice John Roberts, argued that Chevron deference had gone too far.
The Chevron doctrine, named after the 1984 Supreme Court case Chevron U.S.A., Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc., has been widely applied by lower courts and the Supreme Court itself to uphold agency interpretations.
The Court's decision is expected to have a far-reaching impact on the balance of power between the executive and judicial branches of government.
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