From staff reports American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented last week on a Supreme Court’s ruling which strikes down Chevron deference. Chevron deference allowed federal agencies to interpret ambiguous laws for themselves.
Those opposing Chevron deference argued that it multiplied federal agencies’ powers, undermining the separation of powers. They believe by overturning the deference, regulations have potential to become clearer and better balanced.
Those in support of Chevron deference claim it was beneficial to the environment, public health, workplace safety and consumer protections, as it left the agencies overseeing these tasks in charge of interpretations.
In a 6-3 decision, the June 28 ruling overturns the 1984 U.S. Supreme Court landmark case, Chevron v. National Resources Defense Council, which detailed if a legal issue is clear, courts and agencies must give effect to that intent; however, if the statute is ambiguous, and the agency’s interpretation is reasonable, courts will defer to the agency’s interpretation.
Emphasizing the constraint of some regulations, Duvall said “Farm Bureau applauds the U.S. Supreme Court for recognizing the damage Chevron deference has caused to the federal government’s balance of power. For decades, Congress has passed vague laws and left it to federal agencies and the courts to figure out how to implement them. “AFBF has been a leading voice on this issue and has argued on behalf of farmers who are caught in a regulatory back and forth when administrations change the rules based on political priorities instead of relying on the legislative process. We are pleased the Court heard those concerns.”
Duvall added, “The Constitution built a system of checks and balances among three branches of government to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. The legislative branch creates the laws, the executive branch enforces the laws and the judicial branch interprets the laws. Chevron deference created a super branch of government. The Supreme Court restored balance with today’s decision.”