This educational guide is based on the linked primary sources. It is not a Court publication, is not affiliated with the Court, and is not legal advice.
In brief
Overview
The Clean Air Act provides a venue framework for judicial review of EPA actions.
The Court also held that the term “determination” covers any EPA conclusion within the four corners of an action, not only novel conclusions.
EPA asserted that its denials are reviewable only in the D.C. Circuit.
Background and question before the Court
The Clean Air Act establishes a comprehensive venue framework for judicial review of EPA actions.
EPA argued that “disproportionate economic hardship” applies only to hardship directly caused by renewable fuel program compliance, and that Renewable Identification Number (RIN) costs are fully passed through to consumers, creating a presumption against granting exemptions.
EPA asserted that its denials are reviewable only in the D.C. Circuit.
What each side argues
EPA Position
According to EPA, ePA interpreted “disproportionate economic hardship” to cover only hardship directly caused by renewable fuel program compliance.
EPA maintained that Renewable Identification Number (RIN) costs are fully passed through to consumers, creating a presumption against granting exemptions.
What happened at oral argument
What the Court decided
The Court held that a “determination” includes any EPA conclusion within the four corners of an action, not limited to novel conclusions.
Why it matters
Terms to know
- determination
- A “determination” is the “settling and ending of a controversy,” or “the resolving of a question by argument or reasoning.” (Webster’s 616; OED 548).
Primary sources
Read the source materials on the official site or open the immutable repository copy used for this guide.
- 484b53b78470f6ffa5c8-r1-9ba92e34aa7a5df3.pdfopinion
- 73c729417d1ae80f3273-r1-1621635685a49d54.pdforal argument transcript
Guide generated September 27, 2026. Automated validation accepted this version.