Agriculture
KJEANRL
The Ozempic Effect: Kentucky Agriculture Needs ...

In this blog, 3L staffer Lakyn LeMaster analyzes how the increasing popularity of GLP-1 medications may be reshaping consumer food habits and, in turn, impacting Kentucky’s agricultural industry. LeMaster addresses the risks that changing demands could create for Kentucky, particularly as consumers purchase less ultra-processed and fast food while showing increased interest in fresh foods. Ultimately, she argues that Kentucky’s agricultural community should proactively monitor these trends and encourage diversification to ensure producers are prepared for an evolving market. 

The Ozempic Effect: Kentucky Agriculture Needs to Get Ready for a Smaller Appetite
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The "Clean Beauty" Conundrum: The New Wave of ...

In this blog, 2L staffer Grace Hager analyzes the escalating legal crisis facing the "Clean Beauty" industry driven by 2026 FDA findings and new state-level bans. Hager explores the debate between the industry’s current reliance on self-defined clean standards versus the growing legal demand for lab-verified transparency. Ultimately, she takes the position that retailers must assume a heightened legal risk that can no longer be hidden by vague marketing claims.

The "Clean Beauty" Conundrum: The New Wave of Beauty Litigation
KJEANRL
What’s in a NAM?

In this blog, senior staffer Amy Rice argues that the FDA should fully embrace a "method-neutral" approach by accepting New Approach Methodologies (“NAMs”) as primary evidence of drug efficacy. She contends that traditional animal testing is often an outdated and poor predictor of human outcomes, whereas modern tools like organ-on-chip models offer superior scientific precision. Ultimately, Rice asserts that regulators must move beyond historical biases to implement the FDA Modernization Acts, thereby accelerating innovation and reducing the costs of biomedical and agricultural development.

What’s in a NAM?
KJEANRL
Solar Power into Plowshares: The Application of ...

In this blog, 2L staffer Samuel Lay examines a new method to apply 5th Amendment Takings Claims in response to changing regulations regarding Solar Farms built on farmland in Lexington, Ky. Lay breaks down the changing landscape regarding the city’s solar regulations. This is followed by a proposed new method in determining what constitutes total economic deprivation for a per se takings. The proposed change would alter the current meaning of total deprivation to depriving the owner of the value they have in the land. Lay argues that this new method is fairer to those who want to build solar farms in Lexington but may be discouraged due to the ever-changing landscape of solar regulation in Lexington.

Solar Power into Plowshares: The Application of the Takings Clause to Proposals Regarding Zoning Regulations of Solar Farms on Lexington Farmland
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From Strip Mines to Solar Panels: Regulating ...

In this blog, 2L staffer Emma Johns explores the expansion of solar energy projects on reclaimed coal lands in Eastern Kentucky. She argues that although these developments offer potential economic and environmental benefits, current legal and regulatory systems fail to adequately protect landowners and local communities. She concludes that stronger regulations and greater community protections are necessary to ensure a fair and effective transition to renewable energy.

From Strip Mines to Solar Panels: Regulating Renewable Energy Development on Reclaimed Coal Land in Eastern Kentucky

Agriculture

The Ozempic Effect: Kentucky Agriculture Needs to Get Ready for a Smaller Appetite

The Ozempic Effect: Kentucky Agriculture Needs to Get Ready for a Smaller Appetite

In this blog, 3L staffer Lakyn LeMaster analyzes how the increasing popularity of GLP-1 medications may be reshaping consumer food habits and, in turn, impacting Kentucky’s agricultural industry. LeMaster addresses the risks that changing demands could create for Kentucky, particularly as consumers purchase less ultra-processed and fast food while showing increased interest in fresh foods. Ultimately, she argues that Kentucky’s agricultural community should proactively monitor these trends and encourage diversification to ensure producers are prepared for an evolving market. 

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The Dormant Commerce Clause and the Legalization of Cannabis

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The Dormant Commerce Clause and the Legalization of Cannabis

The Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act, if passed, will make strides in society by removing marijuana from the list of scheduled substances under the Controlled Substances Act and decriminalizing possession, distribution, and manufacture of cannabis. However, 2L staffer, Hannah Thompson, notes that there is no discussion of the Dormant Commerce Clause (DCC) in the bill. Thompson strongly argues that Congress should suspend the DCC in the MORE Act to help achieve the end goal of combating disproportionate impacts from drug enforcement from the use of marijuana.

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Nature has the Power to Reverse Climate Change - If We Help it

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Nature has the Power to Reverse Climate Change - If We Help it

Farmers have a unique way to stop climate change. Landon Woods, southern regional director for the American Conservation Coalition, discusses the idea of farmers using natural climate solutions to reverse climate change. Although there are many different strategies to solving climate change, Woods strongly argues that natural climate solutions will play a key role in reducing climate change.

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Low Hide Prices are Impacting the Meat Industry: Increasing the Economic Value of the Hide and Leather Market

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Low Hide Prices are Impacting the Meat Industry: Increasing the Economic Value of the Hide and Leather Market

Hide prices have been steadily decreasing over the past couple of years, directly impacting the meat-producing industry. 2L Staffer Ryan Stuart looks at the factors contributing to the current market trend, especially regarding the China leather production industry and the future of the hide and leather industry, while urging individuals to start buying leather goods again to help the hide industry.

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The Long and Winding Road: Bringing Farmworker Rights Into the 21st Century

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The Long and Winding Road: Bringing Farmworker Rights Into the 21st Century

While on a drive through Central California, 2L staffer Shawn Harkins meets an interesting individual who brought to light H.R. 1603, better known as the Farmworker Modernization Act of 2021. Harkins discusses the pros and cons of this Act, but strongly encourages the Senate to pass this legislation.

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Smoked Out: How Overregulation Threatens Emerging (Legal) Marijuana Markets

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Smoked Out: How Overregulation Threatens Emerging (Legal) Marijuana Markets

As certain states begin to legalize marijuana, many questions will arise especially in terms of regulations. 2L staffer, John Hayman III, analyzes how over-regulation of this industry actually undermines the goal of legalization by looking at black markets and organized crimes.

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Rethinking Irrigation: New Techniques Offer Solutions to the Overuse of Freshwater Reserves in Production Agriculture

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Rethinking Irrigation: New Techniques Offer Solutions to the Overuse of Freshwater Reserves in Production Agriculture

Irrigation is not a new idea for farmers, but does it need to be revamped? 2L Staffer, Julianna Grant, takes a look at how AppHarvest (a new agricultural initiative started in Kentucky) is using rainfall instead of ground and surface water to revamp irrigation.

The Name Game: Required Labeling of Genetically Modified Foods Hinders Effective Science Communication

The Name Game: Required Labeling of Genetically Modified Foods Hinders Effective Science Communication

Have you ever wondered what a GMO label means? Senior Staffer, Alison Adkins discusses how these labels are causing more fear to consumers than actually informing consumers of their benefits.