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Who Wants the Smoke: How Kentucky Can Repurpose ...

Kentucky's 67,700 farms represent an untapped opportunity in the voluntary carbon credit market, but transaction costs have kept small farmers on the sidelines of a rapidly developing global credit supply. In this blog, 2L staffer Spencer Harris argues that the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board already holds the mandate and the money through the state's $2.8 billion share of the Tobacco Master Settlement. This money can be used to subsidize the verification costs that stand between tobacco-legacy farmers and a new, recurring income stream.

Who Wants the Smoke: How Kentucky Can Repurpose Tobacco Farmland as Carbon Credit Infrastructure
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Barn Weddings and Bureaucracy: The Zoning ...

In this blog, 3L senior staffer Caidan Drenk examines the growing tension between Kentucky’s statutory recognition of agritourism and the continued use of local zoning authority to regulate farm-based events such as weddings and festivals. He argues that although Kentucky law expressly recognizes these activities as agritourism, local land-use regulations can still create significant uncertainty for farmers seeking to diversify their operations. Drenk contends that the Kentucky General Assembly should clarify the relationship between agritourism statutes and local zoning authority to better protect working farms and promote agricultural sustainability.

Barn Weddings and Bureaucracy: The Zoning Battle Over Kentucky Agritourism
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Should It Stay or Should It Go? EPA’s Dicamba ...

In this blog, 2L staffer Braden Porter argues that courts reviewing pesticide registrations under the EPA should consider staying judgments, rather than vacating during active growing seasons. Porter explains that while vacatur can correct agency actions, the timing of the decisions can harm farmers who rely on federal registrations to plan for the planting and growing seasons. He argues that courts should exercise their discretion to delay the effects of vacatur and preserve their authority, while preventing disruption to seasonal industries such as agriculture.

Should It Stay or Should It Go? EPA’s Dicamba Reapproval and the Timing of Judicial Remedies For Vacatur and Stays
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An Economy of Scale: How Federal Crop Insurance ...

In this blog, 2L staffer Luke Glasscock discusses how a nearly century-old safety net for farmers, dating back to the first farm bill in 1933, has given way to a federal crop insurance program that disproportionately benefits large farming operations. Glasscock contends that if federal crop insurance discouraged risk-taking in agricultural practices and subsidy caps were placed on large farms, not only could this economy of scale be reduced, but also more attention could be given to high-risk small farms.

An Economy of Scale: How Federal Crop Insurance Favors Big Farms
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Brewing Trouble at Home: The Current Tumultuous ...

In this blog, 2L staffer Jack Klier illustrates how the practice of home distillation brings up constitutional questions of taxation, public safety issues, and potential federal overreach. While a recent United States District Court ruling has raised important questions about Congress’s enumerated powers, Klier argues that the ruling is likely not strong enough on its merits to convince the Supreme Court to depart from its decision in Wickard.

Brewing Trouble at Home: The Current Tumultuous Legality of Home Distillation and the Constitutional Questions Raised
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Illinois Senate Bill 2408: A Greener Future Lies Ahead but Roadblocks may Arise

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Illinois Senate Bill 2408: A Greener Future Lies Ahead but Roadblocks may Arise

Illinois Senate Bill 2408 says a lot about the future of coal In Illinois, but is this truly the best idea? 2L staffer, Ashley Dragan, discusses this bill and the issues it brings while weighing the pros and cons of going green.

You Either Die a Hero, Or You Live Long Enough to See Yourself Become the Villain

You Either Die a Hero, Or You Live Long Enough to See Yourself Become the Villain

The Kentucky Derby is always an exciting time for horse racing fans. Bob Baffert, a famous horse trainer, ends up being suspended from competing in the Derby for 2 years due to his horse testing positive for a banned substance. Senior Staffer, Hunter Branham analyzes what this suspension means for the future of the Kentucky Derby.

Caution: High Voltage – Federal Versus State Authority Concerning the Siting of High Voltage Transmission Lines

Caution: High Voltage – Federal Versus State Authority Concerning the Siting of High Voltage Transmission Lines

Making sure the United States is producing enough energy is a pressing issue as seen throughout the Biden Administration. With the Senate’s passing of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, more authority will be delegated to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in approval of electric transmission lines and facilities. 2L staffer, Grace Brock discusses the pros and cons of this act while bringing in issues of eminent domain and administrative law.

Ecocide: A New International Crime & a Push for Change

Ecocide: A New International Crime & a Push for Change

Ecocide is destroying out environment each and everyday. Some believe it is time to make Ecocide into an international crime, but is that too far? Senior staffer, Samantha Blakeman looks at the concept of making Ecocide an International Crime while looking at the pros and cons of it.

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.

A Cloud of Smoke and Mirrors: A Call for Clarity in the FDA Regulation of the Vaping Industry

A Cloud of Smoke and Mirrors: A Call for Clarity in the FDA Regulation of the Vaping Industry

As vaping and e-cigarettes seem to take the place of regular cigarettes, many are wondering is this safe? The public and the government are worried that those who are partaking in this activity are putting themselves more at risk. With Covid-19 swarming through our country, taking care of our body and lungs are at an all time high causing the FDA to look at putting more restrictions on vaping and e-cigarettes.