Examining Kentucky's Protections for Pollinators

Examining Kentucky's Protections for Pollinators

In this blog, 2L Staffer Dylan Diedrich discusses the protections currently in place in Kentucky that are meant to protect pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Diedrich argues that the current protections, while admirable, are inadequate at protecting and restoring pollinator populations because they are voluntary. Since Kentucky primarily relies on voluntary educational programs to protect pollinators, there is no real deterrent to prevent individuals from harming pollinators. Diedrich proposes a system involving true sanctions to encourage proper administration of pesticides to protect pollinator populations.

The Death of Chevron Deference: The Environmental Protection Agency’s Response to the End of Forty Years of Precedence

The Death of Chevron Deference: The Environmental Protection Agency’s Response to the End of Forty Years of Precedence

Blog By: Phillip Burress

In the summer of 2024, the Supreme Court overturned a precedent relied upon for decades by federal agencies. In this blog, 3L Staffer Phillip Burress discusses that with the death of Chevron deference, federal agencies face new challenges and an increased risk of litigation for interpretations they make on ambiguous statutes. Burress points out that many agencies have been preparing for this change for the past decade, and the threat this change imposes may not be as severe as many people think.

Horses or Housing? Lexington’s Fight to Save the Horse Industry and House its Low-Income Community

Horses or Housing? Lexington’s Fight to Save the Horse Industry and House its Low-Income Community

In this blog, 3L Staffer Bailey Truitt discusses the current trend of selling horse farms and the push to divide the land into housing in Lexington and all across Kentucky. Truitt discusses that while housing is necessary for Lexington, dividing up agricultural land is detrimental to the historical equine industry as well as contributing to the urban sprawl problem found in Lexington. Truitt argues that maintaining horse farms and agricultural land in and around Lexington is the best choice for the economic development and protection of historical business, as well as the prevention of urban sprawl.

Big Data Implications Within Agriculture: Leveraging Intellectual Property Protections for Data Security

Big Data Implications Within Agriculture: Leveraging Intellectual Property Protections for Data Security

Blog By: Lydia Deaton

In this blog, 2L Staffer Lydia Deaton argues that the agricultural community should apply intellectual property doctrines to solve agriculture’s emerging data security issues. Deaton discusses that so far, neither Congress nor the agriculture industry has provided much guidance on potential solutions to data security issues. Deaton contends that creating legislation with agricultural-specific IP protections would provide the data protections that are needed.

Muddying the Waters: Dredging Mobile Bay Highlights Tensions Between Environmental and Economic Priorities

Muddying the Waters: Dredging Mobile Bay Highlights Tensions Between Environmental and Economic Priorities

Blog By: Erica Joan Radermacher

In this blog, 2L Staffer Erica Joan Radermacher argues that it is important to prioritize collaboration when considering environmental conservation efforts in Mobile Bay juxtaposed with efforts to spur trade and economic development. Radermacher analyzes arguments of both proponents and critics of dredging the channel of Mobile Bay and pushes for an attitude of partnership between environmental and economic actors.

The Sun is Setting on Kentucky’s Barrel Tax—But Kentucky Farmers Will Still See the Daylight

The Sun is Setting on Kentucky’s Barrel Tax—But Kentucky Farmers Will Still See the Daylight

Blog By: Ben Bertram

In this blog, 2L Staffer Ben Bertram reviews the Kentucky General Assembly's removal of the bourbon barrel tax, the only tax of its kind in the world. Bertram argues that the decision to phase out this tax eliminated an unnecessary economic barrier for an industry already facing an unreasonably high tax burden. The benefits, Bertram says, will be especially apparent to Kentucky farmers.

Oh SNAP! Another Farm Bill Extension Leaves Families and Farmers Uncertain

Oh SNAP! Another Farm Bill Extension Leaves Families and Farmers Uncertain

Blog By: Sarah Shepherd

With the threat of another farm bill expiration looming over D.C. and rural America, representatives are exploring ways to either expand or cut back on the omnibus legislation. In this blog, 2L Staffer Sarah Shepherd discusses the obstacles of passing a new farm bill, the consequences of cutting SNAP and conservation programs, and the desperate need for Congress to either pass a new, bipartisan farm bill or another extension.