Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has urged his colleagues to reconsider the authority of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
The Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal from Allstates Refractory Contractors, whose lawsuit against OSHA was dismissed by a lower court
Allstates Refractory Contractors argued that the law giving OSHA its authority violates Article 1 of the U.S. Constitution, which reserves lawmaking powers to Congress.
Only Justices Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch expressed willingness to take up the case. Thomas emphasized the importance of questioning OSHA's broad authority.
Thomas argued that the Occupational Safety and Health Act represents a broad delegation of legislative power to an administrative agency
Thomas' stance has sparked anger on social media, with critics accusing him of undermining worker safety by targeting OSHA.
Politicians and public figures, including Rep. Morgan McGarvey and actor Douglas Griffin, have criticized Thomas, highlighting the potential risks to worker safety if OSHA's authority is weakened.
Thomas has faced criticism for undisclosed luxury trips funded by Republican donors. His recent opinions, including on OSHA and former presidents' immunity, have further fueled controversy.