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Chevron deference is gone. What does that mean for trucking?

July 17, 2024
A world without Chevron deference empowers courts to ignore agencies’ interpretations of their own statutory authority, bringing new vulnerability to emissions regulations, FMCSA rulemaking, and more.

The Supreme Court in June overruled Chevron deference, a major legal doctrine that articulated federal agencies’ ability to interpret the law.

This raises the question of whether agency policies, like some emissions regulations, will still be supported by the judicial system. But is this a big deal for the trucking industry?

“Some have argued it’s not a big deal because courts have been working to interpret statutes to find there is no ambiguity in the first instance (in which case, Chevron did not apply),” Prasad Sharma, partner at Scopelitis and general counsel for the Truckload Carriers Association, told FleetOwner. “They point to the fact that the Supreme Court has not relied on Chevron to decide a case of late.

“However, it’s a longstanding precedent that was largely followed by the lower courts, so it is a big deal. It will shift power from agencies to the judiciary and heighten the importance of Congress legislating with clarity to address issues that arise in the modern world.”

The end of Chevron deference represents a significant shift in interpretive power. With it comes a new possibility for courts to block major agency rulemakings from the EPA, FMCSA, and others.

Chevron deference shot down

In June, the Supreme Court overruled the 1984 Chevron ruling in the case Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo.

About the Author

Jeremy Wolfe | Editor

Editor Jeremy Wolfe joined the FleetOwner team in February 2024. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with majors in English and Philosophy. He previously served as Editor for Endeavor Business Media's Water Group publications.

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