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.
In this blog, 3L staffer Dylan Diedrich examines Kentucky's State Improvement Plan to address regional haze in class 1 areas covered by the Clean Air Act, specifically Mammoth Cave National Park. Diedrich takes the position that Kentucky's State Improvement Plan fails to adequately address the issue of haze. By failing to target appropriate pollution generators, the air haze around Mammoth Cave will fail to improve.
Blog By: Sydney LaRue
The cruise ship industry has a history of harming the environment but has recently implemented energy-efficient technology to limit the amount of greenhouse gases and other waste produced by cruise liners. In this blog, 3L Staffer Sydney LaRue argues that these actions are not enough and that increased regulations on cruise ships are the answer to decreasing the harm cruise liners have on the environment.
Blog By: Nathaniel Richey
In this blog, 3L Staffer Nathaniel Richey discusses how the patent system has the potential to hinder innovation in the agricultural industry. Richey argues in favor of a statutory research exemption from infringement of plant utility patents, drawing parallels with the statutory research exemption applicable to pharmaceuticals and medical devices under the Hatch-Waxman Act.
Blog By: Shelton Owen
In her blog, 3L Staffer Shelton Owen explores the competing views regarding the proposed EATS Act. Animal rights activists support Prop-12, granting states control over which producers can sell within their borders, while states' rights advocates aim to protect farmers by prohibiting state regulations from hindering trade. Owen argues that while Prop-12's intentions are good, many farmers struggle to keep up. She argues that the EATS Act is essential for meeting consumer demands and sustaining farming operations.
Blog By: Julia Giordano
In this blog, 3L Staffer Julia Giordano discusses Kentucky's transition to renewable energy sources like solar, highlighting the legislative efforts to regulate the decommissioning of solar panels and address concerns regarding land use, local input, and protection of landowners' rights.
Blog By: Kaitlyn Willis
In her blog, 3L Staffer Kaitlyn Willis discusses the Supreme Court's recent oral arguments, where herring fishermen contested a 2020 rule mandating costly onboard observers. The cases will hinge on the Chevron doctrine, and Willis argues in favor of retaining Chevron because ensures a clear legal framework, protects agency expertise, and maintains accountability to elected officials, crucial for effective governance in complex regulatory matters.
Blog By: Julia Ray
In her blog, 3L Staffer Julia Ray discusses the use of synthetic food dyes in the United States and the negative impact these dyes have on human health and the environment. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) acknowledges the possibility of negative health effects on individuals but places the burden on the consumer to avoid dyes if they choose. Ray argues that the negative effects of synthetic dyes—along with the fact that they add no nutritional value to food—results in the need for banning their use.
Blog By: Sarah Turri
In this blog, 2L Staffer Sarah Turri explores the history of animal welfare protection in the United States, specifically with respect to animal standing in court. She argues for statutory standing to extend to animals, thus providing an avenue for animals to fully vindicate their rights.
Blog By: Sallie Sutton
In this blog, 2L Staffer Sallie Sutton argues that the healthcare industry, specifically within the United States, is rapidly increasing and leading to record-high annual deaths. Sutton suggests that the United States turn to other countries with implemented efforts to decrease greenhouse gases, thus saving lives.
Blog By: Will Miller
In this blog, 2L Staffer Will Miller analyzes a Colorado statute passed in 2023 establishing a farmer's right to repair equipment, which was a huge achievement for the Right to Repair movement. Miller advocates for Kentucky to pass similar legislation, given the importance of the farming industry to the Commonwealth.
