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• Sam Finkel

Mid-Summer Rush

This Tuesday at work, I attended a highly informative webinar on the Chevron doctrine and its potential future in light of the Loper case. For those unfamiliar, Chevron deference is a principle rooted in administrative law, requiring courts to defer to an agency's interpretation of a statute that it administers, provided the statute is ambiguous and the agency's interpretation is reasonable. This doctrine has been a cornerstone of regulatory law for decades, shaping the way courts interact with federal agencies.

The Loper case, however, might signal a significant shift. There's a possibility that this case could either completely dismantle the Chevron doctrine or significantly weaken its application. The implications of such a change are profound, potentially altering the balance of power between the judiciary and regulatory agencies. As someone deeply invested in regulatory law, watching these developments unfold is both fascinating and critical for my ongoing work at the ACC.

The end of the week brought two fantastic social events hosted by my workplace. On Thursday, the interns were treated to a baseball game at Nats Park. Even though the Nationals didn't win, the experience was a blast. It was a perfect opportunity to bond with my fellow interns outside of the office. We indulged in all the classic ballpark foods—hot dogs, ice cream, and peanuts. Singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during the seventh-inning stretch added to the fun and camaraderie.

Friday's highlight was an association-wide picnic for everyone in the DC office, held at the St. James athletic facility. The picnic featured a delightful spread of burgers, hot dogs, baked beans, potato salad, and a variety of other picnic staples. For the kids, there were two bouncy castles, cornhole, and a soccer field. Thankfully, the event was held indoors, providing a cool escape from the heatwave currently gripping DC. It was a wonderful way to unwind and connect with colleagues in a relaxed setting.

I took a laid-back approach to the weekend, starting with a bike ride on Saturday afternoon. Later, I went thrifting in Old Town, Alexandria, with a friend. Although I was on the hunt for artwork to decorate my new apartment, I didn't find anything that caught my eye. Instead, we ended up exploring Old Town and enjoying some delicious ice cream from Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats. If you're ever in the area, I highly recommend stopping by—just remember, it's cash only!

The upcoming week at work promises to be busy and engaging. I have several ongoing projects that need attention, and on Wednesday, I'll be attending an all-day conference on the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). TSCA is a significant part of my work at the ACC, and I'm looking forward to deepening my understanding of this crucial legislation and its impact on our regulatory efforts.

As always, each week in DC brings new opportunities and experiences, and I can't wait to see what lies ahead. Stay tuned for more updates as my summer journey continues!