Washington, D.C. (Jan. 22, 2018) – National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Small Business Legal Center heralds the Supreme Court’s decision in National Association of Manufacturers v. Department of Defense, saying the Supreme Court’s decision is both correct and good for small business.
NFIB argued that challenges to the federal Clean Water Act jurisdiction should be heard in local courts, where affected landowners reside, because they best understand conditions on the ground.
“We are grateful the Supreme Court agreed with us. This decision is an absolute win for small business,” said Karen Harned, Executive Director of the NFIB Small Business Legal Center. “Small business owners and local municipalities know their lands better than anyone else, and these cases will now be handled locally.”
In overturning the 2016 decision by the Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in Cincinnati, the Supreme Court demonstrated the understanding that cases involving Clean Water Act jurisdiction should be decided by local courts, ultimately saving small business owners the expense of filing out of state.
“Filing a lawsuit is already expensive for a small business owner who might make $75,000 a year max,” Harned said. “This decision is imperative for owners who will no longer be required to travel to distant courts to make their arguments.”
To arrange an interview with Harned, please contact Ned Johnson at 202-314-2073.
