Huron Portland Cement Co. v. City of Detroit - Significance

This case was an important step forward in establishing cities' right to institute environmental legislation, even if such laws caused difficulties for business. It was also another step in the ongoing effort to determine the balance of power between federal and local government.

In the 1960s, concerns about the environment were far less common than they are today. The word "pollution" was still a new term, while the idea that an industrial plant might release toxic fumes or dangerous by-products was a relatively rare notion. In this context, Huron Portland Cement Co. v. City of Detroit, et al. stands as an early example of the Supreme Court upholding environmental legislation.