Blog By: Camille Grout

In this Blog, 2L Staffer Camille Grout discuss pending federal litigation against the City of Atlanta for its alleged violation of the Clean Water Act. A vital waterway for thousands of residents in Florida and Georgia alike, the Chattahoochee River has allegedly been polluted by Atlanta’s largest wastewater plant. Grout argues that the City of Atlanta should enter into a new federal consent decree addressing the concerns and preserving the river’s health for generations to come. 

Blog By: Thomas Fricker

In this blog, 2L staffer Thomas Fricker discusses the proposal of adding a "Green Amendment" to state constitutions in order to ensure that current and future generations have the constitutional right to a healthy environment. Green Amendments codify the inherent right to an environment that is protected from federal deregulation and industrial interests for current and future generations to enjoy and preserve.  Fricker analyzes both sides of the movement and argues that Green Amendments should be included in state constitutions. 

Blog By: Emily Sumrall

In this blog, 2L Staffer Emily Sumrall discusses the decades of back and forth between horse trainer Bob Baffert and the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, with an emphasis on Baffert's recent suspension following the 2021 Kentucky Derby. Sumrall argues that the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission should adopt a stricter procedure in disciplining violations of the rules and regulations governing horse racing in order to promote the health and safety of horses and participants.

Blog By: Luke Price

The SAFE Bet Act aims to establish federal standards for responsible gambling in the rapidly expanding American sports betting industry. In this blog, 2L Staffer Luke Price argues that despite facing opposition, the SAFE Bet Act could benefit the industry by creating a uniform regulatory framework while addressing public health concerns. Price also explores how the Act's provisions, particularly advertising restrictions and limitations on proposition bets, could significantly impact horse betting, potentially reshaping gambling in states like Kentucky.

Blog By: Abigail Barford

In this blog, 3L Staffer Abigail Barford discusses the recently passed Florida legislation which removed the term “climate change” from Florida law and changed the state's energy policies. Barford discusses criticism as well as Governor Ron DeSantis's justifications for the legislation, concluding that the state of Florida, a state heavily impacted by climate change, would benefit from consulting environmental and climate experts when drafting legislation.

Blog By: Sam Hilgeman

In this blog, 2L Staffer Sam Hilgeman argues that the Supreme Court has a unique opportunity to find a balance between reasonable environmental regulation and providing an efficient review process for major infrastructure projects. Hilgeman focuses on the broad scope permitted to government agencies in the environment effects they must address that create burdensome hurdles for developers to overcome. 

Blog By: Grace McDonald

Greenwashing is a deceitful advertising tactic that businesses use by making misleading claims about their environmental impact for financial gain. In this blog, 3L Staffer Grace McDonald discusses that the United States' current regulations are ineffective, and greenwashing litigation continues to rise. McDonald asserts that it is time for the United States to enact stricter greenwashing regulations like that of the EU in order for consumers to trust the "eco-friendly" products they see on the shelves.

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.