Mass Sterilization of Wild Horses? The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Newest Project

Mass Sterilization of Wild Horses? The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Newest Project

In this post, 3L staffer Lexy Gross writes about the U.S. Department of the Interior’s latest project that could result in the ovariectomies of thousands of the west’s wild mares, due to recent amendments made to the Interior Appropriations bill.

Designating a Critical Habitat for Humpback Whales

Designating a Critical Habitat for Humpback Whales

In this post, 3L staffer Ian Young writes about the humpback whale populations threatened by extinction, analyzing how a group comprised of Native Americans and environmental organizations have filed suit against the National Marine Fisheries Service’s response to the EPA’s requirements under the Endangered Species Act.

Coal Ash in Herrington Lake and the Clean Water Act

Coal Ash in Herrington Lake and the Clean Water Act

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.

Open for Business in Uncharted Waters: Leasing the Outer Continental Shelf

Open for Business in Uncharted Waters: Leasing the Outer Continental Shelf

The U.S. Department of the Interior dove into 2018 with a proposal to open roughly the entire U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (hereinafter “OCS”) for potential oil and gas lease sales. The  proposal is in furtherance of the National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program (hereinafter “National OSC Program”). The National OCS Program currently preserves ninety-four percent of the total OCS acreage  by prohibiting any oil and gas exploration, or development therein. However, the January proposal made by U.S. Secretary of Interior Ryan Zinke, would open ninety-percent of the total OCS acreage for potential offshore drilling—almost a complete conversion from closed to exposed.

A Call to Modify the Section 201 Safeguard for the Solar Panel Industry

A Call to Modify the Section 201 Safeguard for the Solar Panel Industry

After three months to consider the USITC’s submission, President Trump elected to implement a tariff-quota on solar cell imports. Following the President’s announcement, stocks in U.S. based companies that could benefit as a result of the tariff imposition on solar equipment experienced an aggressive increase. Conversely, the loss of twenty-three thousand jobs and the delay or elimination of billion-dollar investments seems to be probable.