When is Chevron deference applied?

When is Chevron deference applied?

• A. Courts defer to agency interpretations only when the statute is clear.
• B. When a statute is ambiguous and the agency's interpretation is reasonable, courts defer to the agency.
• C. Courts never defer to agency interpretations.
• D. Chevron deference applies to constitutional questions only.

Answer: (C)

Chevron deference is triggered when the statute at issue is ambiguous or silent and the agency has offered a reasonable interpretation. In that situation, courts defer to the agency’s interpretation. If the statute is clear, the court applies the plain text and does not defer. It does not apply to constitutional questions. In practice, courts first look for ambiguity, and if found, they defer to a reasonable agency interpretation as the permissible meaning of the statute.

Chevron deference is triggered when the statute at issue is ambiguous or silent and the agency has offered a reasonable interpretation. In that situation, courts defer to the agency’s interpretation. If the statute is clear, the court applies the plain text and does not defer. It does not apply to constitutional questions. In practice, courts first look for ambiguity, and if found, they defer to a reasonable agency interpretation as the permissible meaning of the statute.