What does it mean for an agency to act within the scope of statutory authority?

What does it mean for an agency to act within the scope of statutory authority?

• A. The agency can interpret statutes broadly and act as needed.
• B. The agency must act within powers granted by statute; actions beyond authority are void.
• C. Authority is presumed unless a court limits it.
• D. The agency may act beyond authority if the public interest requires.

Answer: (B)

An agency may only exercise the powers that its enabling statute grants. So, actions that stay within those limits are authorized and valid, while anything beyond those limits is ultra vires and can be void or voidable in court. The enabling statute sets the agency’s mission, scope, and procedural rules, and courts review actions to ensure they stay within that grant. Agencies can interpret statutes to fulfill their purpose, filling gaps as long as the interpretation stays within the authority conferred by the statute; they cannot widen their power just because it seems useful. Authority is not presumed; it exists because the statute says so and can be constrained or challenged. Public interest does not by itself justify exceeding the statutory grant.

An agency may only exercise the powers that its enabling statute grants. So, actions that stay within those limits are authorized and valid, while anything beyond those limits is ultra vires and can be void or voidable in court. The enabling statute sets the agency’s mission, scope, and procedural rules, and courts review actions to ensure they stay within that grant. Agencies can interpret statutes to fulfill their purpose, filling gaps as long as the interpretation stays within the authority conferred by the statute; they cannot widen their power just because it seems useful. Authority is not presumed; it exists because the statute says so and can be constrained or challenged. Public interest does not by itself justify exceeding the statutory grant.