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 Shortly after, the legislature rescinded the rule, which Short argues was the right decision because of the requirement's uncertainty in enforcement and effectiveness, as well as the detriment to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.
2L Staffer Breanna McKnight discusses the dangerous chemical known as polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”) and what Congress is doing to help eliminate these chemicals in our drinking water. The United States House of Representatives passed H.R. 2467, known as the PFAS Action Act of 2021. Although some organizations worry that this bill will cause more harm than good, McKnight strongly encourages people to support this Act as she believes it is a vital step to combat these chemicals.
2L staffer Matthew Hayes argues that Kentucky should repeal its current real property tax and replace it with a tax on the unimproved value of land. Hayes looks at other states and countries that have implemented this idea, which has resulted in high economic growth. Hayes is hopeful that Kentucky will have the same result if Kentucky implements this tax.
While on a drive through Central California, 2L staffer Shawn Harkins meets an interesting individual who brought to light H.R. 1603, better known as the Farmworker Modernization Act of 2021. Harkins discusses the pros and cons of this Act, but strongly encourages the Senate to pass this legislation.
During Covid-19, many people began looking for ways to get outside safely. With its beautiful hiking trails and scenery, the Red River Gorge saw an influx of individuals as it became an ideal safe solution for many individuals. This influx of people at The Gorge may not end as the idea of a resort seems to be on the horizon. 2L Staffer Jenny Lohr explores the idea of this new resort coming and how it may harm this beautiful area.
To encourage people to voluntarily and permanently restrict the use of real property to help environmental conservation, the government provides tax deductions for those that do. Unfortunately, due to recent and ongoing litigation, people may not be so inclined to continue doing that. Senior staffer Scott Kunde analyzes this ongoing issue and how it could directly affect the original goal of conservation easements.
