The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a case to determine the scope of NEPA's requirement for federal agencies to conduct environmental impact reviews.
The Supreme Court heard arguments in a case that could significantly alter the scope of environmental law, focusing on the "Chevron deference," a doctrine established in 1984 which mandates that courts defer to an agency's interpretation of ambiguous statutes it administers. The case, Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, challenges a National Marine Fisheries Service rule requiring fishing companies to pay for federal monitors on their vessels. Conservative justices expressed skepticism about the ongoing validity of Chevron deference, with Justice Neil Gorsuch highlighting its impact on individuals and small businesses. The potential overturning of this doctrine could lead to a reduction in the regulatory power of federal agencies, affecting how environmental and other regulations are enforced. The Biden administration defended the rule, arguing that Congress had implicitly authorized such regulations. The outcome of this case could reshape how federal regulations are interpreted and applied, potentially limiting the scope of agency power.
Politics & Government
Tue, December 10, 2024 
