Supreme Court Decision Favors North Dakota Truck Stop, Deals Setback to Federal Regulations

Money | July 1, 2024, 10:14 a.m.

In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court has opened the door for new challenges to regulations long after they have taken effect, dealing a third blow in a week to federal agencies. The 6-3 decision favored a truck stop in North Dakota seeking to sue over a regulation on debit card swipe fees that had been upheld by a federal appeals court a decade ago. Despite a six-year deadline for broad challenges to regulations set by federal law, this case involved a regulation on debit card fees that had taken effect in 2011 with a 2017 lawsuit deadline. The truck stop, however, didn't open until 2018, leading to a dismissal of the challenge by a federal appeals court. The decision could have far-reaching implications following last week's ruling that overturned the Chevron decision, making it easier to challenge regulations. Chief Justice John Roberts highlighted the dilemma faced by the court in balancing governmental agencies' need for stability with individuals' right to challenge harmful actions. This case underscores the delicate balance between ensuring regulatory stability and ensuring access to justice for those harmed by government actions.