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.
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 She contends that traditional animal testing is often an outdated and poor predictor of human outcomes, whereas modern tools like organ-on-chip models offer superior scientific precision.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.
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.
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.
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.
Blog By: Grace McDonald
In her blog, 2L Staffer Grace McDonald explores the adverse effects of animal testing, highlighting environmental concerns that result from disposing of animal bodies and laboratory supplies, contamination of soil and water, and the loss of species from their natural habitats, among others. McDonald argues that many countries have banned the testing of cosmetic products on animals, and it's time for the United States to follow suit.
Blog By: Lauren Chugg
In her Blog, 2L Staffer Lauren Chugg discusses why the coal mining industry in Kentucky is at a disadvantage when participating in bids to sell coal compared to other states due to the presence of a severance tax. Chugg proposes a potential remedy but ultimately advocates for a reassessment of the severance tax by the Kentucky legislature.
Blog By: McKinley Pitts
In 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration created the Closer to Zero Action Plan in an effort to reduce toxic heavy metals in baby food products. In this blog, 2L staffer McKinley Pitts discusses the FDA's slow progress and inaction under its Closer to Zero initiative. Pitts argues that the FDA has the authority and resources to establish guidelines and regulations and to ensure industry compliance in order to mitigate the potential harmful effects of environmental contaminants in baby food.
Blog By: Abbey Norvell
In this blog, 2L Staffer Abbey Norvell discusses how the increased need for renewable energy and food security could be answered with a multi-faceted solution called agrivoltaics. Agrivoltaics, the practice of utilizing solar panels and agriculture on the same land, yields many benefits related to soil, wildlife, and food. As other countries experienced success in crop yields and habitation by implementing agrivoltaics, Norvell argues that the U.S. should incentivize implementing agrivoltaics by offering more substantial grants and tax breaks to farmers who utilize the practice on their farmland.
Blog By: Stephanie Gonzalez
In her blog, 2L Stephanie Gonzalez analyzes the increase in wildfires on the United States West Coast that has left many grape growers with smoke taint grapes. Smoke taint grapes are not currently insured by The Federal Crop Insurance Company, leaving many wine growers with unsellable wine. Gonzalez argues that the Federal Crop Insurance should be amended to cover smoke taint grapes as a cause of loss.
Blog By: Mary Jocelyn
The Western U.S. faces unprecedented drought coupled with a growing population and is quickly running out of water. Now, states throughout the Colorado River Basin are collectively employing cloud seeding to make it rain on demand. 3L Staffer, Mary Jocelyn, discusses the potential litigation risks and policy implications of their agreement and proposes solutions for Western Policymakers.
Blog By: Bailey Truitt
In this Blog, 2L Staffer Bailey Truitt advises that in order to avoid civil penalties and fines, Kentucky’s equine industry must carefully consider whether they are in compliance with regulations surrounding Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (“CAFOs”) as horse parks are considered CAFOs.
Blog By: Eddie Beusch
Despite their healthy and adoptable bodies, thousands of horses face slaughtering each year. In his blog, 3L Staffer Eddie Beusch argues that passing the Save America’s Forgotten Equines Act (SAFE Act) is critical in protecting these animals, as it would add equines to the list of animals prohibited for consumption.
