Blog By: Lauren K. Repa

Kentucky is known worldwide for its horse races, and betting on horse races is integral to Kentucky's culture and economy. In this blog, 2L Staffer Lauren K. Repa argues that the passing of House Bill 551 this past September, legalizing all sports betting, might put horse racing at risk, with betters flocking to other forms of gambling. However, not all is lost; Repa asserts AI apps such as EquinEdge might be the program Kentuckians need to keep horse racing alive with the passing of the new legislation. 

Blog By: Antonio C. Ellzey

In this blog, 3L Antonio C. Ellzey points out that California Governor Newsom recently vetoed a pending California state law that aimed to address the dangers of gas appliances. Specifically, the new law would have required manufacturers to place warning labels on gas stoves to inform consumers of their health effects. Some say the new law would help build awareness around a hidden danger while others say the new would restrict Californians’ freedom. Ellzey believes the pending law would positively impact Californians because they can make better-informed decisions around their health and safety, which would ultimately help save lives.

Blog By: Stevi Whitman

In this blog, 3L staffer Stevi Whitman argues for the use of certification marks to promote authenticity within the whiskey industry by introducing the Estate Whiskey Alliance® (EWA). The EWA is a member led association spearheaded by UK Innovate at the University of Kentucky, the James B. Beam Institute, Marker’s Mark Distillery, and other founding members, tasked with ensuring quality standards of whiskey production, promoting the benefits of local sourcing, and advancing sustainability efforts throughout the whiskey industry through the use of certification marks.

Blog By: Phillip Burress

Kentucky is home to 100 distilleries in 42 counties and produces 95% of the world's bourbon. In this Blog, 3L Phillip Burress discusses the threat posed by "Whiskey Fungus" on Kentucky property owners and the legal challenges facing Kentucky distillers.

Blog By: Ashton Edwards

In this Blog, 3L Staffer Ashton Edwards argues that instead of staying silent on the issue, Congress should respond to the interstate commerce concerns that reside in the Prop 12, a proposition that was made law by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2023. Edwards discusses that so far, Congress has yet to address the arguments and concerns of Farmers, the Court, or citizens, even though this law arguably has a substantial impact on interstate commerce.

Blog By: Antonio C. Ellzey

In this Blog, 3L Staffer Antonio C. Ellzey discusses the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry, particularly the impact of Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code, which limits deductions for businesses engaged in the cannabis trade due to federal prohibition. Ellzey discusses the potential benefits of rescheduling cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III, which he argues would alleviate financial burdens on cannabis businesses, enhance safety, and stimulate economic growth.

Blog By: Yuha Jung

In this Blog, outgoing 3L Staffer Yuha Jung explores two recent youth climate cases, one resolved in Montana (Held v. State) and another ongoing in California (Genesis v. EPA), emphasizing their implications for future climate litigation. Jung contends that youth-led climate lawsuits will ultimately contribute positively to safeguarding a clean and healthy climate for future generations.

Blog By: Camille Camp

In this blog, 2L Staffer Camille Camp discusses the threat black vultures pose to the livestock industry and the proposed bill aimed at assisting livestock producers. Additionally, she highlights the essential ecological function served by black vultures and stresses the importance of finding a sustainable solution that both addresses the threat to livestock and preserves the black vulture population.

Blog By: Daniel Martell

In his blog, Vol. 17 Executive Editor Daniel Martell reports on a barrier in the transition to clean energy: local opposition to solar projects in rural communities. While opposition groups have delayed and derailed solar projects in the past, Martell argues that there are steps that solar farm developers can take to the conflict and cost that come with public opposition to their energy projects.

Blog By: Daniel Short

2L Staffer Daniel Short discusses the Kentucky legislature's decision to create an acreage requirement for hunting and fishing licenses, exempt private landowners. Shortly after, the legislature rescinded the rule, which Short argues was the right decision because of the requirement's uncertainty in enforcement and effectiveness, as well as the detriment to resident outdoorsmen. 

Blog By: Caroline Butler

In this blog, 3L Staffer Caroline Butler discusses a $320 million, 2,000-acre proposal to expand Bluegrass Station to include a military airport was made public. Butler argues that this proposal and the problems surrounding it, such as eminent domain and public pushback.

Blog By: Madison Boggs

In her blog, 2L Staffer Madison Boggs discusses the passage of the Whole Milk For Healthy Kids Act in the House of Representatives. The Act seeks to amend existing federal regulations governing school lunches, allowing schools to offer a broader range of milk choices to students, including whole, reduced-fat, and fat-free varieties. Boggs emphasizes the significant contribution of discarded milk in school cafeterias to food waste and advocates for expanding beverage options, including plant-based milks, in schools to tackle this widespread issue.

Blog By: Matthew Pakkala

In this blog, 3L staffer Matthew Pakkala discusses the ongoing crisis facing the Florida manatees. He briefly introduces the main threat—algae blooms—and details the situation unfolding in the Indian River Lagoon. Pakkala advocates for the Florida manatee to be reclassified as "endangered" under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.  

Blog By: Christian T. Deeter

In his blog, 3L Staffer Christian Deeter argues that the Fifth Circuit should hold the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) constitutional because it does not violate the non-delegation and anti-commandeering doctrines. The amended version of HISA adequately reformed the Authority, making it sufficiently subordinate to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Deeter supports his opinion with an analysis of the Fifth and Sixth Circuit’s recent rulings.

Blog By: Jose Herrera
In this blog, 3L Staffer Jose Herrera examines the extensive consequences of the booming avocado industry in Michoacán, Mexico. Herrera highlights environmental and social concerns that result from deforestation and corruption and advocates for regulatory reforms to address environmental degradation and safeguard community well-being.

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.