What the Supreme Court Chevron decision means for environmental rules
The decision could make it easier for courts to block ambitious climate and wildlife regulations.

By Maxine Joselow
June 28, 2024 at 11:02 a.m. EDT



The Chevron Richmond Refinery is seen from Point Richmond, Calif., on Oct. 24, 2023. (Eric Risberg/AP)

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The Supreme Court on Friday curtailed the power of federal agencies to regulate the environment, public health and other fundamental aspects of American life.

The 6-3 ruling, written by Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., could make it easier for courts to block regulations aimed at addressing air pollution, combating climate change and protecting endangered species, lawyers say.

Here’s what to know about the ruling and its potential impact on environmental protections in the United States:

What did the Supreme Court decide?

The pair of cases — Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo and Relentless, Inc. v. Department of Commerce — challenged a federal rule that requires the herring industry to cover the costs of observers on fishing boats.

In the decision released Friday, the Supreme Court struck down the rule, issued by the National Marine Fisheries Service, finding it to be overly burdensome. Lower courts had previously upheld the rule, finding it to be a reasonable interpretation of federal law. ... The decision effectively overturns a long-standing precedent known as the Chevron doctrine.

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By Maxine Joselow
Maxine Joselow is a staff writer who covers climate change and the environment. Twitter https://twitter.com/maxinejoselow