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Manning Up: Reclassifying the Florida Manatee

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.  

Manning Up: Reclassifying the Florida Manatee
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Supreme Court Qualifier? Horseracing’s ...

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.

Supreme Court Qualifier? Horseracing’s Potential SCOTUS Showdown
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Green Gold Rush: Unveiling the Ecological and ...

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.

Green Gold Rush: Unveiling the Ecological and Social Impact of Avocado Production in Michoacán, Mexico
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The Future of Cruise Ships and Environmental ...

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. 

The Future of Cruise Ships and Environmental Regulations
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Promoting Agricultural Innovation: A Research ...

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.

Promoting Agricultural Innovation: A Research Exemption from Patent Infringement

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WOTUS and the Future of Wetland Protection

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WOTUS and the Future of Wetland Protection

In recent years it has become unclear what wetlands are protected. Senior Staffer Seth Stroud discusses the upcoming Supreme Court case, Sackett v. EPA, which will analyze this issue. The plaintiffs believe the Court should use Justice Scalia’s test (continuous surface connection) while opposing counsel favors Justice Kennedy’s test (significant nexus) for determining what wetlands will be protected. While Stroud analyzes this issue, he expresses the concern of many that the Supreme might be undercutting EPA’s rule-making efforts.

Repealing Rapanos: Shrinking the Clean Water Act’s Jurisdiction

Repealing Rapanos: Shrinking the Clean Water Act’s Jurisdiction

It is not often that a criminal appeal can change the face of American environmental law and change the jurisdiction of major environmental legislation. This is why anyone concerned with ecological diversity or clean water ought to be watching closely for the Supreme Court’s upcoming decision in United States v. Hughes. In particular, it may greatly decrease the regulatory scope of the Clean Water Act, which controls the discharge of pollutants into the “navigable waters” of the United States.