Blog by: Matthew Pakkala
In this blog, 3L staffer Matthew Pakkala discusses the ongoing crisis facing the Florida manatees. He briefly introduces the main threat—algae blooms—and details the situation unfolding in the Indian River Lagoon. Pakkala advocates for the Florida manatee to be reclassified as "endangered" under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.
Blog By: Christian T. Deeter
In his blog, 3L Staffer Christian Deeter argues that the Fifth Circuit should hold the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) constitutional because it does not violate the non-delegation and anti-commandeering doctrines. The amended version of HISA adequately reformed the Authority, making it sufficiently subordinate to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Deeter supports his opinion with an analysis of the Fifth and Sixth Circuit’s recent rulings.
Blog By: Jose Herrera
In this blog, 3L Staffer Jose Herrera examines the extensive consequences of the booming avocado industry in Michoacán, Mexico. Herrera highlights environmental and social concerns that result from deforestation and corruption and advocates for regulatory reforms to address environmental degradation and safeguard community well-being.
Blog By: Sydney LaRue
The cruise ship industry has a history of harming the environment but has recently implemented energy-efficient technology to limit the amount of greenhouse gases and other waste produced by cruise liners. In this blog, 3L Staffer Sydney LaRue argues that these actions are not enough and that increased regulations on cruise ships are the answer to decreasing the harm cruise liners have on the environment.
Blog By: Nathaniel Richey
In this blog, 3L Staffer Nathaniel Richey discusses how the patent system has the potential to hinder innovation in the agricultural industry. Richey argues in favor of a statutory research exemption from infringement of plant utility patents, drawing parallels with the statutory research exemption applicable to pharmaceuticals and medical devices under the Hatch-Waxman Act.
2L Staffer Georgiana Ledford discusses the Antiquities Act of 1906, which allows the President to transform a tract of land into a national monument. Ledford discusses how presidents have treated this power and how people have mixed options on this Act as some see it as a use of politics. Ledford strongly believes that Americans should put politics behind them and remember why Congress passed this Act.
A karst landscape can cause sinkholes to occur and homeowners are not always protected from sinkholes with insurance. Some states are passing laws that require insurance companies to protect homeowners from sinkholes, but others don’t. Find out what Senior Staffer, Abigail Hartge says about this issue.
Making sure the United States is producing enough energy is a pressing issue as seen throughout the Biden Administration. With the Senate’s passing of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, more authority will be delegated to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in approval of electric transmission lines and facilities. 2L staffer, Grace Brock discusses the pros and cons of this act while bringing in issues of eminent domain and administrative law.
Florida and Georgia have been at odds for decades for water rights. In this piece by staffer Seth Stroud, he explores the legal battle that has made its way before the Supreme Court. He highlights the ramifications of the decision on which state will have its desired source of nature’s most important resource.
While President Biden’s recent executive order regarding the Keystone Pipeline may seem like a major win for its opponents, the battle is far from over. In this piece, 3L staffer Taygan Mullins discusses the impact of this decision and asserts that this may only be a temporary victory for those supporting the order.
Illegal fishing practices are huge threats to the ocean’s ecosystem and the global economy. Fighting illegal fishing remains a difficult task due to difficulties with record-keeping. Could implementing a new phone app help solve this global problem? In this piece, staffer Nick Cacopardo highlights the problems with illegal fishing and explores a hopeful new solution.
Kentucky’s declining coal industry has dealt the state with an unwanted mess. Abrupt shutdowns and improperly reclaimed mines have left Appalachia looking for answers. In this post, staffer Brent House analyzes the problems associated with the fading industry and looks to the new administration for guidance and relief.
