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 Shortly after, the legislature rescinded the rule, which Short argues was the right decision because of the requirement's uncertainty in enforcement and effectiveness, as well as the detriment to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.
Kentucky is behind other states in electric vehicle sales and production. In this blog, 2L staffer Jimmy Brown addresses why Kentucky should offer a state tax credit for residents who purchase an electric vehicle or provide electric vehicle supply equipment to decrease the state's greenhouse gas emissions.
As the use and disposal of PFAS chemicals becomes more prevalent, so does long lasting ecosystem contamination. In this blog, 2L staffer Lindsay Bates argues that the Environmental Protection Agency's proposed designation of PFAS as hazardous substances may be part of the solution to protect human and environmental welfare.
A national energy grid ensures the country's energy is reliable, secure, and advancing decarbonization efforts. In this blog, 2L staffer Omer Arain argues that Congress must remove legal obstacles, such as state eminent domain authority, which inhibit the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) from building high-voltage, long-distance electric transmission lines that serve national energy grid goals.
Gua Sha and Jade Roller treatments have become viral skin care fads on TikTok. But these tools are typically made from jade stone, a symbol of destruction and devastation in Myanmar. 2L staffer Brooklyn Brown discusses the ongoing environmental & human rights abuses in Myanmar’s jade industry & and advocates for the U.S. & its allies to take a more direct approach to help the citizens of Myanmar.
In late July of this year, eastern Kentucky experienced devastating rainfall, leading to extensive flooding. In this blog, 3L staffer Aaron Ambrose provides insight on how coal companies' failure in reclamation of abandoned mines may have played a role in the extensive flooding along with providing potential solutions to hold coal companies accountable.
The Food and Drug Administration issued warning letters to Delta-8 THC companies in May 2022 addressing three major areas of concern about the cannabinoid. 2L staffer Cori Agnoni argues that the companies must consider serious change and transparency if they hope to keep this hemp-derivative in their control. She suggests that taking action now prevents a repeat of this in the near future.
Soil tilling grew popular as a means of planting seeds more efficiently. However, soil tilling comes with drawbacks. In this blog, 3L staffer Gabby Mason weighs the pros and cons of soil tilling. Mason concludes that tilling has led to soul degradation, and thus, advocates for solutions to reverse the negative effects that soil tilling has had on soil structure.
