In the sprawling landscapes of the Western United States, where agriculture is as vast as the horizon, a seismic shift in legal precedent is sending ripples through the industry. The Supreme Court’s decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, which overturned the longstanding Chevron doctrine, is set to be a hot topic at the upcoming Western Water, Ag, and Environmental Law Conference. This annual gathering, hosted by the National Agricultural Law Center and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Foundation, will delve into the implications of this landmark ruling on agriculture and environmental law.
The Chevron doctrine, established in 1984, had been a cornerstone of administrative law, dictating that courts should defer to federal agencies’ interpretations of their own rules. This principle had significant implications for agriculture, an industry heavily regulated by federal agencies. However, the Supreme Court’s decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo has turned this doctrine on its head, requiring courts to interpret statutes independently, rather than deferring to agency interpretations.
Brigit Rollins, a staff attorney at the National Agricultural Law Center, and Lauren J. Caster, director at Fennemore, will lead a session at the conference titled “Ag, Food, and Federal and State Agency Deference in a Post-Chevron World.” They will explore the short and long-term implications of this decision, providing attendees with a clearer understanding of how the ruling will affect judicial scrutiny of agencies and their decisions.
“The fog is beginning to clear,” said Caster, referring to the uncertainty that followed the Supreme Court’s decision. The session will aim to dispel any remaining confusion, offering insights into what the future holds for agriculture in the Western United States.
The conference, to be held June 19-20 in Reno, Nevada, will also feature a livestream option for those unable to attend in person. Registration is now open online. Harrison Pittman, director of the National Agricultural Law Center, emphasized the importance of the conference, stating that “any change in the scope of agency authority has a major impact on the ag industry, with unique implications for the ag industry in Western states.”
Rollins and Caster’s session promises to be a highlight of the conference, with their extensive backgrounds in agricultural, environmental, and natural resources law. They will provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the Loper Bright decision and its potential impact on the industry in the years to come.
As the Western Water, Ag, and Environmental Law Conference approaches, the agricultural community is eagerly awaiting the insights that Rollins and Caster will provide. The Loper Bright decision has undoubtedly changed the legal landscape, and the conference offers a unique opportunity to understand these changes and their implications for the future of Western agriculture.