Blog By: Erik Farleigh
3L Staffer Erik Farleigh argues that government subsidies in the emerging carbon capture industry will stifle the innovation that makes carbon capture technology so exciting.
An Effort to Improve the Integrity of the “USDA Organic” Label: The USDA’s New Strengthening Organic Enforcement Rule
Blog By: Nathaniel Richey
Whatever their reasons for buying organic, American consumers of organic food rely on the integrity of the “USDA Organic” label. In this blog, 3L Staffer Nathaniel Richey discusses some longstanding concerns about the poor enforcement of the USDA organic standards. The USDA seeks to address these concerns through the new Strengthening Organic Enforcement Rule, a better-late-than-never effort by the agency to improve the organic label’s integrity.
Women Veterans, Know Your Risks, Know Your Benefits: How Breathing the Air on Deployment Increases Risk of Aggressive Breast Cancer and How the VA is Failing to Warn You*
Haste Makes Waste: Courts Volley Over BLM Waste Rule Flip-Flopping
Blog By: Justin Potter
In this blog, 3L Staffer Justin Potter discusses the BLM’s promulgation of the updated rules regarding methane waste and found itself caught between courts declaring them arbitrary and capricious. This blog discusses the principal case on these rules and why the Wyoming District Court took issue with BLM's reliance on ancillary factors.
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
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
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
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.
