Courts And Congress Weighing Chevron Deference, Scope Of Agencies' Clout

摘要

During the past few years, the question of whether courts should defer to regulatory agencies has intensified dramatically. This principle of administrative law-characterized as the "Chevron doctrine"- originated in a 1984 Supreme Court decision, Chevron USA Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council Inc., and largely rests on deference to federal agencies in court review of an agency's action. For the oil and natural gas industry, Chevron deference has resulted in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals upholding decisions by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, with the outcome often at odds with industry's position. A move away from Chevron is likely to significantly impact agency rulings and any subsequent legal challenges.