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.
While most people are in agreement that solar power is a viable alternative to fossil fuels, tensions can arise when communities must bear the burden with none of the benefits. In her debut post, staffer Samantha Blakeman examines why Winchester, Kentucky residents have opposed the introduction of industrial solar farms in their community.
While low gas prices are usually looked at gratefully, COVID-19 has changed societal interactions and diminished the need for oil as quarantining mitigates the need to drive. However, as oil production continues around the world and is met with depleted demand, big oil companies are falling on hard times leading them to seek assistance in the form of a government bailout.
In this article, Notes Editor Connor D. Hicks explains the employment prospects for former, Appalachian coal-miners in search of new occupations while their historic industry slowly erodes. This article explores the potential job market for these blue-collar workers in an unexpected area…technology. Click below to read more.
Within the next decade, Kentucky’s beloved Red River Gorge must undergo significant commercial development. Discussion about how to monetize this natural landmark without compromising the environment has Kentucky residents concerned. Staffer Howard Ball writes on the Chamber of Commerce’s plan to boost ecotourism and bring money to Eastern Kentucky.
The Trump administration’s Affordable Clean Energy Rule (“ACE”) improves the efficiency of power plants, but what does this mean for the environment and climate change? In this post, staffer Joy Kleisinger explores the administrative challenges to saving the environment while enforcing Trump’s ACE rule.
In this editorial piece, author Neil Kearns discusses a recent Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals decision that highlights the precarious position miners and their estates find themselves in when seeking compensation under the amendments to the Black Lung Benefits Act (BLBA). Kearns questions Congress’ inaction and stresses the importance of legislators taking steps to improve the lives of those living in coal country.
The utility industry led the private sector in union membership in 2018, with a relatively high unionization rate of 20.1 percent. In this post, staff editor Zachary Atwell discusses the importance of § 301 of the Labor Management Relations Act (LMRA) to employees and employers, and how the act affects labor disputes involving collective bargaining agreements.
