In the case of Harrison, Regional Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), et al. v. PPG Industries Inc., et al., 1979, the U.S Supreme Court ruled in favor of PPG Industries and other industrial companies against EPA's interpretation of a provision under the Clean Water Act. The dispute centered on whether or not certain types of industrial equipment fell within the definition of "point source" as defined by Section 306(b)1(B)of the Act which would require them to meet specific standards set by EPA for water pollution control technology. The court held that these pieces of equipment did not fall within this definition and therefore were exempt from such regulations. This decision was significant because it limited EPA's regulatory authority over industries' contribution to water pollution.

In the dissenting opinion for Harrison v. PPG Industries, Inc., the justice argued that the majority's decision was a misinterpretation of Congress' intent when it enacted Section 307(b)(1) of the Clean Air Act. The justice believed that this section should be read to allow judicial review only after final action by EPA and not before, as in this case where PPG sought review prior to any definitive regulatory action taken by EPA. The dissent pointed out that allowing premature challenges could lead to unnecessary litigation and delay in implementing environmental regulations. Furthermore, they contended that such interpretation undermines administrative procedures designed for efficient resolution of disputes over agency actions. They also expressed concern about potential negative impacts on agencies’ ability to carry out their duties effectively if subjected to constant legal scrutiny at every step of their decision-making process.