The Supreme Court’s recent ruling in the case of Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo has significant implications for federal regulation in the United States. In a partisan 6-3 decision, the Court effectively gutted the Chevron deference doctrine, which has allowed government agencies to implement laws set by Congress for the past 40 years. This ruling gives corporations a powerful tool to influence government policies in their favor, potentially at the expense of ordinary Americans.
The case itself, brought by commercial fishing companies seeking to overturn federal rules requiring them to pay for government-mandated observers to prevent overfishing, was supported by notorious right-wing billionaire Charles Koch and various corporate interests. The decision is expected to impact the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to regulate climate-warming emissions and toxic pollutants, the Food and Drug Administration’s oversight of food and drug safety, and the Americans with Disabilities Act’s protection of disabled individuals from discrimination.
The fishing industry’s role in this case is emblematic of a larger trend where animal industries, including meat, dairy, and commercial fishing, have worked to undermine democracy and government oversight to protect their profits. For decades, these industries have successfully divided the animal rights movement from other progressive causes, portraying activists as extremists and fringe groups.
Progressives have often overlooked the misdeeds of animal industries, contributing to the marginalization of animal rights issues in broader progressive movements. However, there is a growing recognition that concern for animal welfare is interconnected with other social justice issues, including climate change, public health, corporate power, and civil liberties.
The article highlights the need for progressives to incorporate animal rights into their agenda to build a more unified and effective movement. By recognizing the interconnectedness of various social justice causes, including animal rights, progressives can address systemic issues more comprehensively and effectively. The history of the animal rights movement, intertwined with other social justice movements, serves as a reminder of the power of collective action and solidarity in creating meaningful change.
In conclusion, the article emphasizes the importance of recognizing and supporting animal rights as part of a broader progressive agenda. By uniting various social justice causes, including animal rights, progressives can work towards a more just and equitable society for all. The suppression of animal rights activists and the broader implications for democracy underscore the urgency of building a unified movement that addresses interconnected issues and challenges corporate influence on government policies.
