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.
In his blog post, 2L staffer Trevor Payton discusses the history of the United States’ climate change fight and analyzes three different presidential administrations’ approaches to the issue. Here, Payton highlights the benefits to Biden re-entering the U.S. into the Paris Climate Agreement by way of executive action and assesses the implications going forward.
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.
Zoonotic diseases not only impact the health and safety of people across the world but wreak havoc on the global economy as well. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the One Health approach to eradicating animal-based diseases is gaining traction—that is, taking a collaborative health approach for people and animals to understand their shared environment and work toward eliminating the spread of infectious diseases.
Black Farmers have been robbed and deprived of their farming land by way of racist policies, racial acts of terror, and heir divestment…and it needs to be addressed. In her blog post, 3L staffer Maya Marshall discusses the impact of stripping black farmers of land, and proffers solutions worth more than just consideration.
You’ve been asked the question countless times: paper or plastic? But have you ever thought about how many single-use plastic bags retail stores across America go through? In this piece, staffer Scott Kunde examines the detrimental effects of single-use plastic bags and calls state legislators and consumers alike to act now.
Everyone loves an underdog story; but unlike your favorite movie, book, or podcast, the reality is much less glamorous for farmers in India. In response to unfavorable and new agricultural proposals, Indian Farmers have taken to the streets of New Delhi to protest. In her blog post, 2L staffer and EIC-elect, Jocelyn Lucero, explains the Famers’ plight.
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.
