Balancing Act Project Kick-Off in Utah

On Thursday, May 30, 2024, Balancing Act Project (BAP) – a new national bi-partisan, non-profit coalition of multi-sector industry employers, non-profits, policy experts and trade groups – hosted Utah Governor Spencer Cox, Congressional representatives Blake Moore (UT-01), John Curtis (UT- 03), Burgess Owens (UT-04) and Celeste Maloy (UT-02) as well as leading business trade organizations in anticipation of a pending Supreme Court decision that could significantly upset precedent that currently gives deference to federal agencies to interpret what Congress intended in legislation that becomes law.

Stakeholders discussed how imbalances between Congress and federal agencies in creating and enforcing regulations are linked to high costs for American companies and, ultimately, consumers. Utah association leaders explored how increases in regulations are linked to Americans paying more for groceries, clothing, gas and electricity.

This June, the U.S. Supreme Court will consider Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, a case likely to overturn a longstanding precedent known as the “Chevron Deference.” This precedent, established in a 1984 decision, grants regulatory agencies significant leeway in interpreting vague laws passed by Congress. Over time, this deference has shifted power from Congress to federal agencies, leading to the practice of passing ambiguous laws with the expectation that agencies will clarify them.

The potential reversal of Chevron Deference could empower businesses affected by regulations to challenge decisions made by agencies, ultimately giving citizens and businesses a stronger voice through their elected representatives. The Balancing Act Project seeks to convene impacted stakeholders to work to define the post-Chevron regulatory environment and advocate for policies that ensure accountable regulatory rulemaking, reflecting legislative intent.

Governor Cox and the Utah House delegation weighed in on the challenges and opportunities overturning Chevron will provide for lawmakers to bring the federal government back to balance.

For more information, visit BalancingActProject.org.

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About the Balancing Act Project:
The Balancing Act Project is a non-profit organization designed to convene impacted stakeholders to educate on and advocate for policies that ensure accountable regulatory rulemaking that reflects legislative intent. BAP convenes a broad coalition of multi-sector industry employers, non-profits, policy experts, trade groups and other stakeholders who are committed to an accountable government in a post-Chevron regulatory environment. Learn More.