Shockingly Halfway Done
On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to join a team call with the Office of Management and Budget to discuss regulations regarding new chemicals. It was a great experience because I helped prepare the talking points and because it was my second time interacting with government officials this summer. The meeting was swift and informative, providing a clear overview of the regulatory landscape we’re navigating. Contributing to these discussions has been incredibly rewarding and deepened my understanding of the complexities of chemical regulation.
Wednesday was a highlight of the week as my entire team attended the event "TSCA Reform: 8 Years Later." For those unfamiliar, TSCA stands for the Toxic Substances Control Act, a critical piece of legislation governing the introduction of new or existing chemicals. Amended eight years ago, these changes have sparked a plethora of litigation, shaping the regulatory environment in which we operate today. Hosted by the Environmental Law Institute, the event took place at the GWU School of Public Health. Getting out of the office and immersing ourselves in this vibrant academic setting was refreshing.
The event featured four panel discussions and a keynote address from Dr. Michal Freedhoff, the Assistant Administrator of the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. Seeing so many experts gathered to discuss chemical regulations and delve into the topics I’ve been researching all summer was exhilarating. The collective enthusiasm for regulatory intricacies reaffirmed my passion for this area of law.
Friday marked a monumental day in the world of administrative law as the Supreme Court overruled the Chevron Doctrine. For context, the Chevron Doctrine is a principle that requires courts to defer to an agency's interpretation of a statute it administers, provided the statute is ambiguous and the agency's interpretation is reasonable. Its removal has sent shockwaves through the administrative law community, leaving us all pondering the implications. With the Chevron Doctrine gone, we anticipate a surge in administrative law litigation as the courts take a more active role in interpreting statutes. This decision will undoubtedly impact every project I work on for the rest of the summer. As the legal landscape shifts, staying adaptable and informed is more crucial than ever.
Saturday was more relaxed as I traveled to Williamsburg to check on my old apartment. The drive there was plagued by traffic, but the return journey was thankfully smooth. Sunday was a delightful day spent with fellow law students. I started with a refreshing bike ride, followed by a delicious brunch. Exploring Old Town Alexandria afterward was a perfect way to unwind and enjoy the day. The charm of Old Town, with its historic streets and vibrant atmosphere, made for a memorable outing.
Next week promises to be enjoyable because the entire ACC office will work from home. Plus, with Thursday being the 4th of July holiday, it will be a welcome break to mark the halfway point of my internship. I can't believe how quickly the summer is passing by, and I’m looking forward to making the most of the remaining weeks.