In this blog, 3L staffer Hyeongchan Kim examines the current recycling challenges in the United States by comparing recycling policies across several countries, including Germany, Austria, South Korea, and the United States. He highlights that although each country has its own legal system and procedures, the adoption of standardized recycling laws in US is recommended, drawing on examples from countries with higher recycling rates.
In this blog, 3L staffer Chas Lundy discusses the Trump administration’s attempts to eliminate offshore wind farms in America. Lundy explains the background of renewables in America as well as ongoing litigation regarding a stop work order imposed on a wind farm. Lundy also provides the reactions of powerful figures in the traditional energy industries and takes the position that deviating from offshore wind farms is against the national interest.
In this blog, Executive Editor Peyton Mills argues that United States v. Stevens, which held that depictions of extreme animal cruelty are not categorically unprotected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, effectively rubber-stamps animal cruelty by hindering prosecutors and emboldening animal abusers. He asserts that Justice Samuel Alito's dissent should pave the way forward for animal rights.
In this blog, 3L Staffer Samuel Larrabee argues that the H-2A visa program should be the solution to deported immigrant farm laborers but because of the program's shortcomings, it fails to fill the void. The Department of Labor's recent regulations could help prevent worker abuse that occurs under the program but because courts have stepped in and found that those provisions violate separate law, any meaningful reform of the program likely requires congressional action.
In this blog, 3L Staffer Caidan Drenk argues for the increased protection of central Kentucky farmland from urban growth/sprawl. Drenk discusses the existing legal framework surrounding protections and privileges granted to land used for agriculture, the shortcomings of those protections, and the increases needed for appropriate protections in the future. Drenk highlights and acknowledges concerns about population growth, economic growth, and increased housing demands while emphasizing the long-term cultural and economic risks of unchecked development and encroachment. Drenk calls for a balanced approach that safeguards agricultural land while accommodating responsible urban and suburban expansion.
“Fake meat” laws have been popping up throughout the country and have consistently been met with controversy. While advocates of these types of laws argue they are necessary to protect consumers, opponents believe they infringe on Constitutional rights. In this piece, staffer Chris Isaacs explores how these “fake meat” laws fit in our increasingly meat-hungry world.
Seeds are the building blocks of food and the foundation of agriculture. A practice known as “seed sharing,” has been in practice for generations to ensure the preservation and continuance of heirloom seeds. In the last few decades, this practice has been under attack as large private companies have dominated the seed industry. In this piece, staffer Savannah Baker highlights the importance of seeds and the need for seed sharing to continue.
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.
Due to agricultural mismanagement, unfortunate weather, and the spread of COVID-19, North Korea is on the brink of a disastrous famine. In this piece, staffer Preston Johnson analyzes how the country’s ideologies, lack of action, and the pandemic have left the North Korean people in a dire situation.
While the Kentucky pension crisis remains a focal point among the state government, crippling the state and putting workers at risk, staffer William Hutchins offers up a unique solution: legalizing marijuana. Read more to learn about how Kentucky has the climate, soil, and market that could generate some much-needed revenue.
While most people are in agreement that solar power is a viable alternative to fossil fuels, tensions can arise when communities must bear the burden with none of the benefits. In her debut post, staffer Samantha Blakeman examines why Winchester, Kentucky residents have opposed the introduction of industrial solar farms in their community.
