KJEANRL
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 She contends that traditional animal testing is often an outdated and poor predictor of human outcomes, whereas modern tools like organ-on-chip models offer superior scientific precision.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
KJEANRL
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
KJEANRL
Protecting the American Equestrian’s Social ...

In this blog, 2L staffer Sophia Sears analyzes the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act, recently introduced to the 119th Congress, which proposes regulations that strengthen the Horse Protection Act (HPA) by broadening the definition of soring, increasing penalties for violations, and replacing the current self-regulatory structure with USDA-administered oversight. Sears argues that such reforms are necessary to address potential conflicts of interest in the current structure and better prevent equine abuse. Ultimately, Sears contends that federal regulations that deliberately combat abuse against horses are essential for preserving the equestrian industry's social license to operate-- such regulations ensure public acceptance of horse-participation in competitive sport.  

Protecting the American Equestrian’s Social License to Operate: The Importance of the PAST Act
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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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What do Kentucky Bourbon and Sinkholes have in Common?

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What do Kentucky Bourbon and Sinkholes have in Common?

A karst landscape can cause sinkholes to occur and homeowners are not always protected from sinkholes with insurance. Some states are passing laws that require insurance companies to protect homeowners from sinkholes, but others don’t. Find out what Senior Staffer, Abigail Hartge says about this issue.

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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.

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If It’s Broke, Fix It: The Purview of the Clean Air Act is No Longer Effective as Applied to the States

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If It’s Broke, Fix It: The Purview of the Clean Air Act is No Longer Effective as Applied to the States

Climate Change is a hot topic where ever you go. An unspoken part of climate change is how air quality is becoming worse over time. In 1970, the Clean Air Act was passed, but it hasn’t been amended since 1990. 2L staffer, Henry Cashen compares State Implementation Plan of the this act with Kentucky & Tennessee.

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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.