Supreme Court delivers blow to power of federal agencies, overturning 40-year-old precedent
The Supreme Court overturned a 40-year-old precedent that has been a target of the right because it is seen as bolstering the power of "deep state" bureaucrats.
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Friday overturned a 40-year-old precedent that has been a target of the right because it is seen as bolstering the power of "deep state" bureaucrats.
In a ruling involving a challenge to a fisheries regulation, the court consigned to history a 1984 ruling called Chevron v. Natural Resources Defense Council.
It is the latest in a series of rulings in which the conservative justices have taken aim at the power of federal agencies. The ruling was 6-3 with the conservative justices in the majority and liberal justices dissenting.
"Chevron is overruled," Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in the majority opinion. "Courts must exercise their independent judgment in deciding whether an agency has acted within its statutory authority."
Liberal Justice Elena Kagan wrote in dissent that a "longstanding precedent at the crux of administrative governance thus falls victim to a bald assertion of judicial authority."
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