Kavanaugh's Take on Supreme Court's Chevron Ruling Impact

Justice Brett Kavanaugh addressed the implications of the Supreme Court's recent decision regarding Chevron deference during a speech at Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law. The ruling, which occurred in June, overturned a longstanding precedent that allowed federal agencies to interpret ambiguous laws with a degree of deference from lower courts. Kavanaugh emphasized that this decision was a necessary adjustment to maintain the separation of powers, ensuring that the executive branch operates within the limits set by Congress. He cautioned against overinterpreting the ruling, noting that Congress often grants broad authority to agencies, and it is crucial to respect the boundaries of that authority. Kavanaugh reflected on his experiences in the Bush administration, highlighting the challenges presidents face in passing significant legislation and the resulting pressure on agencies to expand their regulatory reach. He pointed out that the previous Chevron framework sometimes led agencies to act beyond their statutory limits, which judges would then uphold, complicating the balance of power between branches of government. Kavanaugh's remarks come just before the Supreme Court is set to begin a new term, indicating the ongoing relevance of these issues in contemporary governance.