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Opinion
Timothy L. O'Brien

No, Supreme Court, States Alone Can’t Manage Pandemics

In blocking Biden’s workplace vaccine rules, the conservative justices betray an unrealistic view of public health.

Conservative Justices say workplace safety doesn’t mean vaccines.  

Conservative Justices say workplace safety doesn’t mean vaccines.  

Photographer: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

As the Supreme Court continues dismantling legal support for sensible federal powers that enhance the public’s well-being, it also plants the seeds for future national problems.

Consider Covid-19 testing and vaccination mandates. The court’s conservative majority ruled Thursday that the Biden administration’s use of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to enforce mandates in workplaces of 100 employees or more lacks congressional authorization — and is therefore illegal.