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    Goodbye, Chevron. Hello, lawsuits!

    en-usJuly 18, 2024
    What is Chevron deference and its significance?
    How does the Supreme Court's decision affect regulatory lawsuits?
    Which industries are seeing increased interest in regulatory litigation?
    What are the implications of diminished agency regulatory authority?
    How might the balance of power shift after this ruling?

    Podcast Summary

    • Chevron deference abolishedThe Supreme Court's decision to abolish Chevron deference allows individuals and small businesses to challenge ambiguous regulations, potentially leading to an increase in regulatory lawsuits and far-reaching consequences

      The Supreme Court's recent decision to abolish Chevron deference, a long-standing doctrine that required courts to defer to a reasonable agency interpretation of ambiguous statutes, has opened the door for more regulatory lawsuits against government agencies. This change could significantly impact individuals and small businesses, as they now have a greater ability to challenge regulations they believe are unlawful. Lawyers specializing in regulatory litigation, like James Tice, are already seeing an increase in interest from clients in industries such as Energy and Healthcare. While this new legal landscape may benefit Tice's firm, it also carries financial stakes for all of us, as the fallout from these regulatory battles could have far-reaching consequences.

    • End of Chevron deferenceThe end of Chevron deference could lead to significant changes in regulation across various sectors, leaving many uncertain about its implications, even for some conservatives, as the authority of agencies to regulate has been severely diminished.

      The end of Chevron deference, a legal doctrine that allowed agencies to interpret ambiguous laws, could lead to significant changes in regulation across various sectors, from food and financial markets to education and the environment. This shift, while not universally agreed upon as chaotic, has left many uncertain about its implications. Jacob Bogage, a Congressional Economic Correspondent at The Washington Post, has been exploring this topic and shares that even some conservatives are unsure of the outcome. The authority of agencies to regulate has been severely diminished, and the future of regulation remains uncertain. To help you choose your next summer read, tune into NPR's Book of the Day podcast for recommendations.

    • Chevron deference, regulatory powerThe Supreme Court's Loper v. Netflix decision weakened the power of federal agencies to implement regulations without explicit congressional authorization, making countless regulations more vulnerable to being challenged and struck down by courts.

      The Supreme Court's decision in the Loper v. Netflix case, also known as the "Chevron deference" ruling, has significantly weakened the power of federal agencies to implement regulations without explicit congressional authorization. This means that countless regulations, including those related to healthcare, student loans, and worker safety, are now more vulnerable to being challenged and struck down by courts. For instance, a recent ruling in Mississippi against a transgender healthcare discrimination rule and ongoing lawsuits against the Education Department's SAVE plan for student loan borrowers illustrate this new legal landscape. With Chevron deference no longer available as a defense, those challenging these regulations have a much stronger case. Industries such as agriculture, construction, and others are expected to challenge new OSHA guidelines on worker safety in heat.

    • Agency lawmakingUnelected agencies play a significant role in lawmaking and regulation implementation, leading to legal challenges and a complex balance of power between branches of government

      The role of unelected agencies in lawmaking and regulation implementation has become a subject of intense legal challenges. From overtime pay rules to environmental protections and net neutrality, various agencies have faced lawsuits from companies seeking to overturn regulations. While the outcome of these lawsuits is uncertain, they add complexity to the process of implementing laws and raise questions about the balance of power between elected officials and unelected agency employees. The idea that Congress should make all the laws and leave regulation to elected officials is appealing, but given the complexity and compromise involved in lawmaking, it may not be practical or realistic. Instead, the process of lawmaking and regulation implementation is likely to continue involving a delicate balance between various branches of government and the involvement of the courts.

    • Right-to-know laws renewalRenewal of right-to-know laws increases chances of success in suing government regulators, leading to an anticipated rise in lawsuits targeting federal regulations

      The renewal of right-to-know laws in the U.S. now gives individuals and organizations more opportunities to challenge federal regulations in court. This shift, according to lawyer James Tice, increases the chances of success for those looking to sue government regulators. With less power given to agencies to decide on regulations, there is an expectation for a rise in lawsuits targeting federal regulations. For professionals specializing in suing government regulators, this change is good for business. Overall, this development provides a greater opportunity for individuals and groups to influence regulatory decisions through legal means.

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