This month, the U.S. Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) gaveled in its Fall 2024 term. Agreeing to hear 15 new cases and 14 cases left over from its last term, SCOTUS is off to an ambitious start, especially considering it is expected to be called upon to address numerous election-related cases. Some of the cases selected could have far-reaching impacts in areas affecting Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) – such as the environment and gun safety – and health care.

Gender Affirming Health Care

Perhaps one of the most-closely watched cases on the docket comes from Tennessee asking SCOTUS to repeal a ban on gender-affirming medical care for minors. A reason this case is being closely watched is that more than 20 states have passed similar bans in recent years. The plaintiffs argues that the Tennessee ban goes against the 14th amendment – the equal protections amendment – and also restricts access to medical treatments for conditions beyond gender dysphoria, such as precocious puberty, injuries, disease, and congenital defects.

Ghost Gun Regulations

SCOTUS has already heard oral arguments on a case asking the Court to determine whether the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) overstepped its authority when it issued a rule in 2022 regarding ghost guns. The rule expanded the definition of firearms to include certain gun parts used in kits to build ghost guns, partially closing a loophole.

Environmental Protection Agency Authority

So far, SCOTUS will hear arguments in multiple cases regarding environmental protection regulations. The first case to appear before SCOTUS comes from the city of San Francisco with support of fossil fuel trade organizations. The City claims that current EPA regulations relating to the Clean Water Act and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System are too vague and leave permit holders at risk of enforcement penalties.

Another case relating to the storage of nuclear waste is also set to appear before SCOTUS. Given the absence of a permanent national repository for nuclear waste, the Biden Administration was seeking to build temporary storage facilities for nuclear waste in Texas and New Mexico. Those plans were halted by the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals.