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Hodel v. Virginia Surface Mining and Reclamation Association and Hodel v. Indiana: a reexamination of environmental legislation under the Tenth Amendment and Commerce Clause

Journal Article · · Va. J. Nat. Resour. Law; (United States)
OSTI ID:5557438

In overruling the district courts, the Supreme Court in Hodel v. Virginia Surface Mining and Reclamation Association and Hodel v. Indiana affirmed federal preemption of state power in the regulation of environmental problems. Legislation enacted under Commerce Clause authority prevails so long as the regulated activity affects commerce and the rules as enforced comply with Congress express intent. The National League of Cities limitation on infringement of state primacy invalidates federal laws only when the regulation affects the state in its sovereign capacity and usurps authority in areas of traditional state control. These holdings, while leaving several questions unresolved, diminish the potential impact of the National League of Cities decision on natural resource legislation. Thus, although National League of Cities remains good law, the federal role in environmental regulation remains dominant. 161 references.

OSTI ID:
5557438
Journal Information:
Va. J. Nat. Resour. Law; (United States), Journal Name: Va. J. Nat. Resour. Law; (United States) Vol. 1:2; ISSN VJNLD
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English