Washington, D.C. – The Consumer Choice Center (CCC) celebrates today’s Supreme Court decision overturning the 1984 ‘Chevron‘ doctrine, an outdated ruling that exploded the power of the federal government to use the administrative state to craft rules in the absence of clear legislation from Congress.

Chevron enabled unelected federal bureaucrats to interpret and implement regulations on business, public health, consumers, and much more, drastically increasing the cost of compliance and leading to higher prices for consumers.

Yaël Ossowski, Deputy Director of the Consumer Choice Center, commented on the ruling, stating, “This is a monumental win for consumers and rule of law. The Chevron doctrine had allowed federal agencies to overstep their bounds, creating an unbalanced regulatory environment that often worked against the interests of consumers. The Supreme Court’s decision restores a much-needed check on regulatory power.“

The ruling arose from cases brought by Atlantic herring fishermen in New Jersey and Rhode Island, who challenged a 2020 National Marine Fisheries Service rule requiring them to pay for government-mandated “observers”. Lower courts had upheld this requirement based on the Chevron precedent. The fishermen appealed, and today in the highest court in the land, they won. 

“Whether it’s the haphazard rule making from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on cryptocurrencies or ESG disclosure requirements, expansive EPA rules on emissions that practically no vehicles can match, or the overzealous FDA’s regulatory denials on nicotine alternative products, overturn of Chevron puts power back into the hands of the people through Congress, rather than the administrative state. No longer will agency “experts” have broad authority not explicitly granted by law. This is a great day for the rule of law and a more humble, restrained, and focused Executive Branch, which will benefits consumers who want the freedom to choose,” added Ossowski.

The Consumer Choice Center firmly believes that this decision will lead to a more transparent and accountable regulatory process, which benefits consumers by preventing the kind of overreach that reduces choices, raises prices, and squashes innovation.

About the Consumer Choice Center:

The Consumer Choice Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to defending the rights of consumers around the world. Our mission is to promote freedom of choice, healthy competition, and evidence-based policies that benefit consumers. We work to ensure that consumers have access to a variety of quality products and services and can make informed decisions about their lifestyle and consumption. 

Find out more at www.consumerchoicecenter.org