Opinion summary
Etalia.ai summary of the majority opinion
The case involved a dispute between the state of Ohio and the United States Department of Energy (DOE) regarding financial responsibility for environmental cleanup at a uranium enrichment facility in Piketon, Ohio. The central issue was whether DOE's obligations under federal law required it to comply with state-imposed deadlines for hazardous waste cleanup. The Supreme Court held that while federal facilities must adhere to certain state regulations concerning hazardous waste management, they are not subject to penalties imposed by states if compliance is delayed due to lack of appropriated funds from Congress. This decision underscored the principle that federal agencies cannot be penalized by states when their actions or inactions stem from budgetary constraints dictated by Congressional appropriations.
Opinion written by Justice Souter
Decided 21 Apr 1992 · Official report