Restore Chevron to Protect Public Health & Environment

To the Members of the United States Congress,

We call on Congress to act immediately in response to the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Chevron deference. This 1984 precedent allowed federal agencies to regulate effectively, safeguarding our environment and public health.

Chevron deference enabled agencies like the EPA and FDA to interpret ambiguous laws within their scientific expertise. This deference was crucial for implementing regulations that protect public health and the environment that is science-based. Without Chevron deference, courts, rather than scientists and experts, will decide on crucial regulations, throwing expertise under the proverbial bus.

The EPA's ability to regulate emissions and enforce environmental standards will be radically hampered, dramatically weakening efforts to combat climate change and risking dangerous increases in pollution and environmental degradation. The FDA, relying on Chevron deference to regulate drugs and medical devices, may face massive delays in implementing vital health and safety regulations. This could jeopardize public health by slowing or eliminating the approval of safe vaccines and life-saving medications.

The Supreme Court's decision represents a radical judicial overreach by a radical court that threatens to dismantle science-based regulations. 

We urge Congress to:

Legislate Clear Standards: Pass laws providing clear mandates to agencies, reducing the need for judicial interpretation.

Reaffirm Agency Expertise: Recognize the importance of agency expertise in interpreting and applying complex regulations.

Ensure Public Safety and Welfare: Maintain robust regulatory standards and enforcement mechanisms to protect health and the environment.

The reversal of Chevron deference is a threat to effective government and public welfare. Congress must act swiftly to mitigate this decision's impact and ensure federal agencies retain the authority necessary to safeguard critical American interests.