In this blog, 2L staffer Emma Carlo explains how the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently attempting to rescind newly implemented drinking water regulations regarding chemicals known as PFAs. Carlo argues that this deregulation action is indicative of corporate favoritism and proves that water utility companies and the EPA believe the $800 million implementation cost is too expensive to protect the public and the environment. Carlo explains that EPA is acting contrary to its intended purpose, as this deregulation will allow continued exposure to these chemicals for more than 70 million people, despite the high likelihood of adverse health effects from low exposure to PFAS.
In this blog, 2L staffer Kalista Thomas focuses on the issues surrounding the lowering levels of water in the Colorado River and how these lowering levels are exacerbated by climate change. Thomas argues how the United States needs to continue to be a member in the Paris Agreement and gives an outline of how the Paris Agreement helps countries reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
In this blog, 3L Senior Staffer Erica Joan Radermacher discusses the recent case of Skipper v. United States Fish and Wildlife Service, in which the court in the Southern District of Alabama ruled for private landowners. Radermacher argues that the abuse of agency power to designate thousands of acres of private lands as critical habitat after only a singular sighting of the black pinesnake on the land in the recent past is an example of government overreach at its most egregious.
Whether or not you believe Bigfoot is real, in this blog, 3L staffer Lauren Repa explores the legality of hunting the elusive creature. Repa explains how various states have implemented laws that forbid the hunting and killing of Bigfoot. She demonstrates whether hunting the creature would be worth the trouble with the Kentucky State Government.
In this blog, 3L staffer Sam Hilgeman examines the impact that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will have on solar energy in the Bluegrass State. He argues that the removal of the residential solar credit will have long-term detrimental impacts to the state's residential solar energy market unless state legislators can provide their own incentive.
Blog By: Blake Sims
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act (PSLRA) provides that all discovery shall be stayed during the pendency of a motion to dismiss in any private action arising under the Securities Act of 1933. 3L staffer Blake Sims argues that this should be interpreted to apply to both federal and state court actions, and that such an interpretation could be beneficial for emerging green companies, such as Rivian.
Blog By: Julianna Grant
Following the 2020 Olympics, the equestrian portion of the pentathlon was replaced with cycling. This decision was largely based on horse mistreatment and risk of injury to horses and competitors. In this blog, 3L staffer Julianna Grant argues for this change to remain permanent to ensure both horse and rider safety.
Scientific and technological advancements have created effective alternatives to testing cosmetics on animals. In an effort to reduce unnecessary animal suffering, several countries have banned the sale of cosmetics that utilize animal testing in order to place pressures on other countries to end cosmetic testing on animals. 2L staffer Autumn Clark believes the United States has the opportunity to join these countries and bar the sale of cosmetics in one of the world's largest global economies by enacting the Humane Cosmetic Act.
Homeless encampments are appearing in record numbers causing larger cities to “sweep" these encampments and move the residents off the streets. In this blog, 2L staffer Erik Farleigh discusses the negative environmental impacts of “sweeping” and offers solutions to mitigate the environmental impacts caused by closing encampments and forcing homeless individuals to move.
Ground-based solar infrastructures are a viable source of renewable energy, however, this comes at a cost. Farmland and forests are being displaced at the expense of these solar farms. 2L staffer Caroline Butler discusses some potential solutions to reap the benefits of solar energy while using farms and forests efficiently.
Blog By: Deiona Camargo
Two months ago, the Supreme Court of New Mexico issued a unanimous opinion settling a debate over the public's right to stream access. In this blog, 2L Staffer Deiona Camargo discusses both sides of the debate and argues that the impact of this decision does not support a true balance between public and private land rights.
This past summer, the Supreme Court handed down its decision in West Virginia v. EPA, a case concerning the EPA's authority to decarbonize the nation's electricity-generating industry through "generation shifting." In this blog, 3L staffer Evan Callahan discusses how this decision impacts administrative law and the EPA's carbon emissions policies going forward.
Kentucky is behind other states in electric vehicle sales and production. In this blog, 2L staffer Jimmy Brown addresses why Kentucky should offer a state tax credit for residents who purchase an electric vehicle or provide electric vehicle supply equipment to decrease the state's greenhouse gas emissions.
