Supreme Court Takes Case Challenging Power of Federal Agencies

The United States Supreme Court agreed to hear a case over fishing regulations that could result in a scaling back of federal agencies’ power. 

Details: Four New Jersey fishing companies are asking the court to overturn a 1984 ruling that created the “Chevron deference,” which instructs courts to defer to administrative agencies within reason over statute disputes. The companies bringing the case are challenging a rule that mandates certain fishing vessels partially pay for government-contract regulators to accompany fishers to ensure adherence to regulatory standards, reducing the vessel’s incomes by up to 20%, according to government figures. Lower courts sided with regulatory agencies in accordance with the Chevron deference. 

Key Quotes: Former Solicitor General Paul Clement, who is representing the fishing companies, stated, “We are delighted that the court took this case not only to potentially deliver justice to these fishermen, but also to reconsider a doctrine that has enabled the widespread expansion of unchecked executive authority. We look forward to our day in court.” CNN Supreme Court analyst Steve Vladeck stated that overturning the 1984 ruling would “give courts more power – and the executive branch less – on everything from environmental regulation to immigration to public health to meat inspections to telecommunications policy.”

How The Media Covered It: The Washington Examiner only quoted Clement and twice labeled the rule mandating fishing companies partially pay for government monitors a “scheme.” CNN had only a brief quote from Clement and stated that conservative justices have “long sought to rein in regulatory authority.”