Net Neutrality Defeat Shows Judges’ New Clout in Agency Fights

A federal appeals court decision striking down the Federal Communications Commission’s net neutrality rules demonstrates the impact of the Supreme Court’s holding that judges shouldn’t yield to agencies’ readings of unclear laws.

The US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit Jan. 2 axed the Biden-era version of FCC regulations for internet service providers based on its reading of communications law. The Sixth Circuit said the agency lacked the authority to issue the rules.

The D.C. Circuit had upheld earlier iterations of net neutrality regulations during the Obama and Trump administrations based on the Chevron doctrine, which required it to ...