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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 She contends that traditional animal testing is often an outdated and poor predictor of human outcomes, whereas modern tools like organ-on-chip models offer superior scientific precision.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
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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
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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

A New Era of Permitting: Why Revising Section 10 of the ESA is Necessary for Conservation Efforts

A New Era of Permitting: Why Revising Section 10 of the ESA is Necessary for Conservation Efforts

Blog By: Kaitlyn Willis

In this blog, Kaitlyn Willis discusses the purpose of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the various changes it has seen during the past two presidential administrations. In February 2023, the Fish and Wildlife Service proposed a new rule under the ESA which would allow the FWS to issue incidental take permits for non-listed species. Kaitlyn argues that this rule is in accordance with the purpose of the ESA and would reinforce protection for both threatened and endangered species.

Surface Mine Reclamation: A Better Alternative

Surface Mine Reclamation: A Better Alternative

Blog By: Braydan Roark

In this blog, 3L staffer Braydan Roark talks about the various alternatives to surface mine reclamation and restoring land to a higher or better use after the mine is no longer in use. Several landowners and coal companies favor the pastureland method of land reclamation, which involves smoothed over hills with little plant growth. Braydan argues that more landowners and coal companies ought to consider the forestland use reclamation method, which aims to restore post-mining land to a productive forest habitat.

Agriculture's Best Kept Secrets: The Potential Harm of the FTC's Proposed Non-Compete Ban

Agriculture's Best Kept Secrets: The Potential Harm of the FTC's Proposed Non-Compete Ban

Blog By: Shelton Owen

In this blog, 2L staffer Shelton Owen warns that the FTC’s proposed ban on non-compete clauses could have a detrimental effect on agriculture. Specifically, she argues that the ban would inhibit agricultural producers’ ability to protect trade secrets, such as cultivation techniques, fertilizer recipes, and other specialized creation methods. To avoid this, Shelton argues that the ban should not go into place.

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Uranium

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Uranium

Blog By: Leen M. Heresh

The Price-Anderson Act was put in place to compensate members of the public who incur damages from nuclear and radiological incidents. In this blog, 3L staffer Leen Heresh discusses the shortcomings of the Price-Anderson Act through cases involving plaintiffs in Paducah, Kentucky and Portsmouth, Ohio. Heresh ultimately argues that the Price-Anderson Act should be repealed as it does not truly help the impacted plaintiffs as written.

They Keep Food on Our Tables and It's Time the Federal Government Returned the Favor: A Call for the Expansion of Overtime Compensation Rights to Agricultural Workers

They Keep Food on Our Tables and It's Time the Federal Government Returned the Favor: A Call for the Expansion of Overtime Compensation Rights to Agricultural Workers

Blog By: Breanna Carper

Breanna Carper, 3L staffer, discusses the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and its intentional omission of agricultural workers from its protections in this piece. Breanna advocates for Congress to rectify this and afford agricultural laborers a minimum wage, overtime pay, and other benefits enjoyed by laborers in other industries.

Sustainable Practices of the Bourbon Industry in Times of Climate Change

Sustainable Practices of the Bourbon Industry in Times of Climate Change

Blog By: Yuha Jung

In this blog, 2L staffer Yuha Jung talks about the potential impacts of climate change on key resources utilized in Kentucky’s bourbon industry, such as corn and white oak trees. Yuha calls on bourbon producers across the state to align themselves with the goals of the Paris Agreement to prevent the decline of these resources and so bourbon production can continue to thrive.

Building a More Sustainable Future: How Traditional Architecture Can Reduce the Carbon Footprint of Buildings

Building a More Sustainable Future: How Traditional Architecture Can Reduce the Carbon Footprint of Buildings

Blog By: John Hayman

Traditional styles of architecture tend to be more sustainable, while modern styles of architecture tend to be less sustainable. In this blog, 3L staffer John Hayman considers the carbon footprint of different types of architecture and argues for the construction of architecture that is less environmentally destructive.