PA and a Post "Chevron" World

On June 28, 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its Loper Bright v. Raimondo decision, overturning the Chevron doctrine that for four decades had required judges to defer to federal agency interpretations of ambiguous statutes. PennFuture’s legal team explains that Chevron recognized that many environmental statutes involve complex, technical questions best answered by expert agencies rather than courts. In Loper Bright, the Court ruled 6‑3 that agencies can no longer rely on Chevron deference, giving courts the final say on statutory interpretation. This major shift will make it harder for regulators like the EPA to address environmental and public health challenges. The blog explains the history and significance of Chevron, summarizes the Court’s reasoning in Loper Bright, and discusses how the end of Chevron may lead to more litigation, regulatory uncertainty, and obstacles for agencies charged with protecting people and the environment. PennFuture calls on advocates to stay engaged, support strong legislation, and urge lawmakers to preserve regulatory authority that safeguards communities and natural resources.