Plain-English summary
Court limits nonparty review of agency orders under the Hobbs Act; reverses Fifth Circuit
The Court held that the Hobbs Act’s petition-for-review provision does not let nonparties obtain review of claims that an agency exceeded its statutory authority. The decision reversed the Fifth Circuit and sent the case back for further proceedings consistent with the ruling.
Why this matters
The decision narrows who can seek immediate appellate review of federal agency orders under the Hobbs Act. That affects when and how outside states, businesses, or interest groups can challenge agency actions in court, and preserves the administrative process by limiting collateral review by nonparticipants.
Who may feel it
- Federal agencies and their regulated parties
- States and local governments seeking to challenge federal agency orders without participating in agency proceedings
- Private businesses and interest groups that want to challenge agency authority
- Courts of appeals that adjudicate petitions under the Hobbs Act
Key questions
- Does the Hobbs Act permit nonparties to obtain review in a court of appeals of claims that an agency exceeded its statutory authority?
- What qualifies a person or entity as a "party aggrieved" entitled to petition for review under 28 U.S.C. §2344?