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 Shortly after, the legislature rescinded the rule, which Short argues was the right decision because of the requirement's uncertainty in enforcement and effectiveness, as well as the detriment to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.
A Sixth Circuit case alleged that Kentucky Utilities violated the Clean Water Act and the Resources Conservation and Recovery Act. In 2018 the suit was dismissed due to Kentucky Utilities having agreed to submit a remedial action plan. This plan is currently pending, but there are some issues as some believe the Clean Water Act does not relate to groundwater. Kyle Ruschell is hoping this case could clarify the Clean Water Act.
Kentucky Legislators are attempting to live “in the arms of an angel” by proposing more stringent laws regarding the brutal and inhumane activity of dogfighting. The current law provides that a person is guilty of cruelty to animals in the first degree if he or she causes a four-legged animal to fight for pleasure or profit, and the person owns the dog, owns the property on which the fight is held, or assists in organizing the fight. Commonwealth Lawmakers are proposing an additional provision stating, “Any person who knowingly owns, possesses, keeps, breeds, trains, sells, or otherwise transfers a dog for the purpose of that dog being used to fight another dog for pleasure or profit.” Cruelty to animals in the first degree is a felony.
On January 13, Kentucky State Representative David Floyd filed House Bill 240, a bill that calls for the establishment of a statewide pipeline safety fund in order to, among other objectives, develop disaster response plans and train local government emergency crews to safely execute these plans. This is the second consecutive year that the 50th District Representative from Bardstown has pushed for the passage of such a bill, with the 2015 version having failed before a House committee.
Pollinators play a vital role in the United States’ economy. Honeybee pollination adds $15 billion in value to agricultural crops in the United States each year. However, over the past two decades, there has been a steady decline in the population of pollinators. Last year, the United States experienced a forty percent decline in bee population overall. In the Commonwealth of Kentucky, a thirty percent drop was reported. The decline is attributed to increased pesticide use and a phenomenon referred to as “Colony Collapse Disorder” where worker bees abandon the queen bee.
Mention horses, and horse racing undoubtedly first crosses one’s mind. With the rich history of horse racing in Kentucky, namely at Keeneland and Churchill Downs, racing is often considered a horse’s main utility. However, with the rise of children with disabilities benefiting from horse-based therapy – namely, “hippotherapy” – an entirely different equine service has evolved.
On February 13, 2015 House Bill 145 passed by a 51-46 vote in the Kentucky House of Representatives. The bill referred to as “Smoke free Kentucky,” which provides criminal sanctions for those who smoke tobacco products in all places of business indoors, did not clear the Kentucky Senate. Since last year’s flop, the “Foundation for A Healthy Kentucky” released a poll showing support for a smoking ban across the State with around 66% of poll participants favoring the ban.
On February 9, 2016, the Supreme Court dealt a major blow to Obama’s “climate change” agenda. Divided five to four, the Supreme Court ordered the Obama administration not to proceed on the “Clean Power Plan,” which may stall the proposal until after President Barack Obama leaves office next January.
Even though you can survive many days without food and several hours without water, without air you would die within a few minutes. Particularly, air pollution can burn your eyes and nose, which can affect visibility and the ability to breathe. In order to combat pollution in the air, Congress passed the Clean Air Act (hereinafter “the Act”), which gave the federal government the power to limit air pollution in the United States.
