Document: 112 S.Ct. 2009 504 U.S. 334 119 L.Ed.2d 121 CHEMICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC., Petitionerv.Guy HUNT, Governor of Alabama et al. No. 91-471. Argued April 21, 1992. Decided June 1, Syllabus Petitioner Chemical Waste Management, Inc., operates a commercial hazardous waste land disposal facility in Emelle, Alabama, that receives both in-state and out-of-state wastes. An Act imposes, inter alia, fee on wastes disposed at facilities, an additional generated outside, but inside, the State. filed suit state court, requesting declaratory relief against respondent officials seeking to enjoin Act's enforcement. The Trial Court declared, among other things, violated Commerce Clause, finding only basis for is waste's origin. State Supreme reversed, holding advanced legitimate local purposes could not be adequately served by reasonable nondiscriminatory alternatives. Held: 1. Alabama's differential treatment violates Clause. Pp. 339-349. (a) No may attempt isolate itself from problem common several States raising barriers free flow interstate commerce. Philadelphia v. New Jersey, 437 617, 98 2531, 57 475; Fort Gratiot Sanitary Landfill, Inc. Michigan Dept. Natural Resources, --- ----, 2019, ----. facially discriminates outside has plainly discouraged full operation petitioner's facility. Such burdensome tax imposed commerce alone generally forbidden typically struck down without further inquiry. However, here argues serves purposes. 339-343. (b) met its burden showing unavailability alternatives adequate preserve interests stake. See Hunt Washington Apple Advertising Comm'n, 432 333, 353, 97 2434, 2446-2447, 53 383. concern about volume entering Emelle alleviated less discriminatory means—such as applying all within per-mile vehicles transporting such across roads, or evenhanded cap total tonnage landfilled Emelle—which would curtail sources. Additionally, any touching environmental conservation citizens' health safety does vary with point origin, power monitor regulate more closely transportation borders. Even possible future financial risks borne do origin way allowing foreign, local, burdened. 343-346. (c) This Court's decisions regarding quarantine laws counsel different conclusion. legitimately deemed law because permits generation landfilling borders importation waste. Moreover, upheld this "did discriminate such, simply prevented traffic noxious articles, whatever their origin." supra, U.S., 629, S.Ct., 2538. decision Maine Taylor, 477 131, 106 2440, 91 110—upholding ban baitfish after showed fish were subject parasites foreign there no means protecting natural resources—likewise offers respite since same regardless than overt discrimination meet concerns. 346-348. 2. On remand must consider appropriate petitioner. See, e.g., McKesson Corp. Florida Division Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco, 496 18, 31, 110 2238, 2247, 17. 348-349. 584 So.2d 1367 (Ala.1991), reversed remanded. WHITE, J., delivered opinion Court, which BLACKMUN, STEVENS, O'CONNOR, SCALIA, KENNEDY, SOUTER, THOMAS, JJ., joined. REHNQUIST, C.J., dissenting opinion. Andrew J. Pincus, Washington, D.C., argued Edwin S. Kneedler, amicus curiae special leave Court. Bert Nettles, Birmingham, Ala., respondents. Justice WHITE 1 imposes Alabama. apply having source held violate We reverse. 2 * Petitioner, Delaware corporation principal place business Oak Brook, Illinois, owns one Nation's oldest located Opened 1977 acquired petitioner 1978, treatment, storage, operating pursuant issued Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under Resource Conservation Recovery 1976 (RCRA), 90 Stat. 2795, amended, 42 U.S.C. § 6901 seq., Toxic Substances Control Act, 2003, 15 2601 seq. (1988 ed. Supp. II), Ala.Code 22-30-12(i) (1990). 16 have landfills, largest 21 landfills kind these States. Brief Nat. Governors' Assn. Amici Curiae 3, citing E. Smith, EI Digest 26-27 (Mar. 1992). 3 parties dispute substances being "include are inherently dangerous human environment. consists ignitable, corrosive, toxic reactive contain poisonous cancer causing chemicals can cause birth defects, genetic damage, blindness, crippling death."1 1367, 1373 (1991). Increasing amounts shipped permanent storage each year. From 1985 through 1989, received per year doubled, increasing 341,000 tons 788,000 1989. Of this, up 90% permanently buried 4 Against backdrop enacted 90-326 (the Act). §§ 22-30B-1 22-30B-18 (1990 Supp.1991). Among provisions, includes "cap" limits amount substances2 1-year period, during first new fees becomes ceiling subsequent years. 22-30B-2.3 applies facilities dispose over 100,000 year, facility, meets description. also "base fee" $25.60 ton paid operator 22-30B-2(a) (Supp.1991). Finally, "additional issue here, states full: 5 "For site shall levied rate $72.00 ton." 22-30B-2(b). 6 court respondents enforcement Act. In addition claims, contended Commerce, Due Process, Equal Clauses United Constitution, was preempted various federal statutes. declared base provisions valid constitutional; but, waste, it violation App. Pet. Cert. 83a-88a. Both sides appealed. affirmed rulings concerning fee. therefore So.2d, 1390. 7 petitioned writ certiorari, challenging aspects Because importance question likelihood had been decided conflicting applicable Rule 10.1(c), we granted certiorari limited Clause challenge 502 964, 117 130 (1992). now II 8 trade.3 Today, ---- (1992), considered prohibiting private landfill operators accepting solid originating county operate. striking law, adhered our 475 (1978), where found Jersey's prohibition economic protectionism barred Clause: 9 " '[T]he evil reside legislative well ends. Thus, matter whether ultimate aim ch. 363 reduce costs Jersey residents save remaining open lands pollution, assume every right protect residents' pocketbooks And assumed pursue those ends slowing into State's even though incidentally affected. But purpose, accompanied discriminating articles coming unless some reason, apart treat them differently. face plain effect, principle nondiscrimination. 10 'The consistently parochial legislation constitutionally invalid, assure steady supply milk erecting allegedly ruinous competition, Baldwin G.A.F. Seelig, 294 [511,] 522-524 [55 497, 500-501, 79 L.Ed. 1032 (1935) ]; create jobs keeping industry State, Foster-Fountain Packing Co. Haydel, 278 [49 3-4, 73 147 (1928) Johnson 6, 155 Toomer Witsell, [385,] 403-404 [68 1156, 1166, 92 1460 (1948) resources depletion fencing out indigent immigrants, Edwards California, 314 160, 173-174 [62 164, 167, 86 (1941) ].' 2024 (quoting 626-627, 2537). 11 To list added cases commerce, designed encourage use ethanol thereby harmful exhaust emissions, Energy Ind. Limbach, 486 269, 279, 108 1803, 1810, 100 302 (1988), support inspection cement ensure structural integrity, Hale Bimco Trading, 306 375, 379-380, 59 526, 530, 83 771 (1939). For cases, "a presumably goal sought achieved illegitimate isolating national economy." 627, 2537. 12 overall facility.4 taxes forbidden: "[A] transaction incident heavily when crosses lines occurs entirely State." Armco Hardesty, 467 638, 642, 104 2620, 2622, 81 540 (1984); see Walling Michigan, 116 446, 455, 454, 457, 29 691 (1886); Guy Baltimore, (10 Otto) 434, 439, 25 743 (1880). Once Westinghouse Electric Tully, 466 388, 406-407, 1856, 1867, 80 388 Maryland Louisiana, 451 725, 759-760, 101 2114, 2136, 68 576 (1981); Boston Stock Exchange Tax 429 318, 336-337, 599, 610, 50 514 (1977). 13 however, related safety. practical falls "to justify terms benefits flowing statute stake." 2446, 383 (1977); 2026-2027; Co., 278-279, 1810. "At minimum facial invokes strictest scrutiny purported purpose absence alternatives." Hughes Oklahoma, 441 322, 337, 99 1727, 1737, 60 250 (1979).5 14 argument significantly differ conclusions imposed, were: "The Additional Fee cannot alternatives: (1) protection citizens substances; (2) environment state's resources; (3) provision compensatory revenue burdens generators impose dumping Alabama; (4) reduction traveling highways, creates great risk citizens." 1389. These interests, attacked them. rhetoric, explanation, emerges why targets goals. As "[a]lthough Legislature absolutely evidence before finds facts case waste." 83a-84a. findings, invalidity necessarily follows, "whatever [Alabama's] accomplished differently." 2537; 279-280, 1811. show "the demonstrably justified factor unrelated protectionism,"6 Wyoming 789, 801, (1992) (emphasis added), carried burden. Cf. 2024. 17 Ultimately, focuses facility.7 Less alternatives, available alleviate concern, least per-ton cf. Commonwealth Edison Montana, 453 609, 619, 2946, 2954, 69 884 (1981), American Trucking Assns., Scheiner, 483 266, 286, 107 2829, 2841-2842, 226 (1987), 626, 2536, sources.8 extent touches citizens, remains likewise burdened.9 sum, find "an obvious effort saddle State" most "That clearly impermissible Constitution." Ibid. 18 Our conclusion.10 still payment event, while true certain protectionist measures, directed 2538.11 stated 443: 19 "In exercise police powers, exclude territory, prohibit sale therein which, judgment, fairly exercised, prejudicial endanger lives property people. if guise exerting should make exclusion solely kind, produced manufactured States, courts difficulty conflict Constitution States." 20 Reid Colorado, 187 137, 151, 23 92, 97, 47 (1902); Railroad Husen, 95 (5 465, 472, 24 527 (1878). left untouched, although existed distinguish "[i]f harmful, so other. Yet banned former leaving sites latter." Here, points entrance until perforce pays survive discriminations 22 (1986), provides justification. demonstrated baitfish. difference posed threat resources, absent environment—and none available—the properly banned. Id., 140, 2448. contrary, record establishes noted "our conclusion imported raised concerns presented [Alabama] 2027. unique posed, concerns, Taylor respite. III remanded proceedings inconsistent opinion, including consideration (1990); Tyler Pipe Industries, Rev., 232, 251-253, 2810, 2821-2822, 199 (1987). So ordered. Chief dissenting. 26 I already occasion set my view need precondition themselves materials brought 2538, (1978) (Rehnquist, dissenting). today, express take actions preservation work disadvantage generators. dissent largely reasons two cases. Several comments pertain specifically case, though, order. 27 Taxes recognized effective discouraging consumption scarce commodities—in safe attends U.S.C.A. 4681, 4682 (Supp.1992) (tax ozone-depleting chemicals); 4064 (gas guzzler excise tax). nothing unconstitutional discourage export commodity public good helped produce. Gratiot, 2029 Nor significance fact chosen adopt rather outright ban. Nothing requires "all nothing" regulatory approach Mintz Baldwin, 289 346, 611, 77 1245 (1933) (upholding partial cattle importation). 28 short, continues err failure recognize waste—in admittedly presents wish avoid, objective Draconian Under force precedent, increasingly appears avenue avoid altogether, little logic creating, us create, perverse incentives. errs substantial measure refuses acknowledge attractive really 2029-2030 result today gets exactly backward suggests attempting "isolate States," ante, 339. 34 whatsoever, mention smaller isolated themselves. There solace taken conclusion, 344-345, disposals None approaches provide ability tailor regulations will solving portion created, they give mechanisms requiring waste-generating compensate declares run. 30 course, proposals approves apportioned. example, flat tax, forced pay equal faced dumpers acknowledges, permissible recoup compensation general revenues efforts facility's operation. Alabamans made twice, once taxation second time specific Permitting would, part, that, bear sites, others supporting activities help minimize risk. 31 Other appear achieve results similar seemingly foreclosed today. seems nothing, prevent providing subsidies breaks domestic industries generate Or may, market participant doctrine, own catering customers. White Massachusetts Council Construction Employers, 460 204, 206-208, 103 1042, 1044-1045, 75 (1983); Reeves, Stake, 447 429, 436-437, 2271, 2277, 65 244 (1980); Alexandria Scrap Corp., 426 794, 810, 96 2488, 2498, 49 220 (1976). certainly lost require perform gymnastics, performances turn produce effects. sure byproduct today's litigation. Assuming currently large volumes undoubtedly continue search limit arrangement legal challenge, advantage refuse contribute solution. 32 foregoing reasons, respectfully dissent. used RCRA, 6903(5), term "hazardous waste" means: combination wastes, quantity, concentration, physical, chemical, infectious characteristics may— "(A) cause, increase mortality serious irreversible, incapacitating reversible, illness; "(B) pose present potential hazard improperly treated, stored, transported, of, otherwise managed." RCRA directs EPA establish comprehensive "cradle grave" system regulating generation, transport, 6921-6939b, identification listing 6921. At present, 500 listed 40 CFR pt. 261, subpt. D "Hazardous substance(s)" waste(s)" defined 22-30B-1(3) 22-30B-1(4), definitions parallel meanings given law. constituted article explicitly argue contrary. 2023, reaffirmed idea "[s]olid value, commerce." 622-623, 2534-2535, (1978): "All objects trade merit protection; excluded definition outset. . Just Congress movement constitutional restrict movement." makes clear grade albeit particularly propensities, n. arrangements between viewed "sales" "purchases" services, transactions unquestionably character. thus constraints transactions." 2023. National Solid Wastes Management Mgmt., 910 F.2d 713, 718-719 (CA11 1990), modified, 924 1001, cert. denied, 501 111 2800, 115 973 went effect July 15, 1990. fell dramatically 791,000 1989 290,000 1991. attempts avail flexible outlined in, Brown-Forman Distillers York Liquor Auth., 476 573, 579, 2080, 2084, 552 Pike Bruce Church, 397 142, 844, 847, 174 (1970), lesser "where objectives credibly patent trade." 624, 2535, added). room say "effects upon incidental," ibid., While "clear line" separates close apply, "this case." 12, 800 "economic protectionism" based legislature motivated 1388-1389 narrow focus intended consequence conform precedents, "[a] constitutes 'economic protectionism' either 352-353, (1977), supra." Bacchus Imports, Ltd. Dias, 468 263, 270, 3049, 3054, 82 200 (1984). "virtually se rule invalidity," "not desire respond arbitrarily 148, 19, 2453, (1986). created similarly proportional controlled controlling volume." Respondents 38 (citation omitted; emphasis original). asserts: "An fee, level, fail serve purpose. high enough significant deterrent responsibility deal problems, tending exported disposal. problems enormous dumped become uncontrolled avoidance problems." 46. assertions event suffice validate 280, 1811, (1988); 380, 528, (1939): needs cost fifteen cents hundredweight too violent assumption disclosed." 'last ditch' attempt" expressed "after proved unfeasible. It choice [tax] seem likely fulfill effectively." 338, (1979). did below, "fair share" "compensatory tax." rejected arguments, 88a, 6., 287-289, 2842-2843, latter factually unsupported requisite "substantially equivalent" required by, Revenue, 242-244, 2817-2818, Various amici assert consistent congressional authorization. pretermit issue, below briefed here. collects refers following decisions, "quarantine cases": Clason Indiana, 858 (1939); (1933); Oregon-Washington R. Navigation 270 87, 46 70 482 (1926); Sligh Kirkwood, 237 52, 35 501, 835 (1915); Asbell Kansas, 209 251, 485, 52 778 (1908); Compagnie Francaise Louisiana Board Health, 186 811, 1209 Smith St. Louis Southwestern 181 248, 603, 45 847 (1901); Rasmussen Idaho, 198, 594, 820 Missouri, K. T.R. Haber, 169 613, 488, 878 (1898); Bowman Chicago Northwestern 125 689, 700 (1888); hostility thing itself, merely shipments thing; undiscriminating nondiscriminatory. Illinois quite willing allow shipment spent nuclear fuel provided intrastate." General Elec. 683 206, 214 (CA7 1982), 461 913, 1891, 282 96, 282: Inspection followed hay fields infested weevils real mere inhibition alfalfa part country regard condition might dangerous."

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