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 Shortly after, the legislature rescinded the rule, which Short argues was the right decision because of the requirement's uncertainty in enforcement and effectiveness, as well as the detriment to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.
Blog by: Isabel Harrison
As solar energy usage increases, homeowners' associations have started to impose regulations on property owners' abilities to go solar. In this blog, 2L staffer Isabel Harrison urges legislators to mitigate the impacts of restrictive covenants that create obstacles for property owners’ making the switch to solar energy.
Blog By: Blake Sims
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act (PSLRA) provides that all discovery shall be stayed during the pendency of a motion to dismiss in any private action arising under the Securities Act of 1933. 3L staffer Blake Sims argues that this should be interpreted to apply to both federal and state court actions, and that such an interpretation could be beneficial for emerging green companies, such as Rivian.
Blog By: Julianna Grant
Following the 2020 Olympics, the equestrian portion of the pentathlon was replaced with cycling. This decision was largely based on horse mistreatment and risk of injury to horses and competitors. In this blog, 3L staffer Julianna Grant argues for this change to remain permanent to ensure both horse and rider safety.
Scientific and technological advancements have created effective alternatives to testing cosmetics on animals. In an effort to reduce unnecessary animal suffering, several countries have banned the sale of cosmetics that utilize animal testing in order to place pressures on other countries to end cosmetic testing on animals. 2L staffer Autumn Clark believes the United States has the opportunity to join these countries and bar the sale of cosmetics in one of the world's largest global economies by enacting the Humane Cosmetic Act.
Homeless encampments are appearing in record numbers causing larger cities to “sweep" these encampments and move the residents off the streets. In this blog, 2L staffer Erik Farleigh discusses the negative environmental impacts of “sweeping” and offers solutions to mitigate the environmental impacts caused by closing encampments and forcing homeless individuals to move.
Ground-based solar infrastructures are a viable source of renewable energy, however, this comes at a cost. Farmland and forests are being displaced at the expense of these solar farms. 2L staffer Caroline Butler discusses some potential solutions to reap the benefits of solar energy while using farms and forests efficiently.
Blog By: Deiona Camargo
Two months ago, the Supreme Court of New Mexico issued a unanimous opinion settling a debate over the public's right to stream access. In this blog, 2L Staffer Deiona Camargo discusses both sides of the debate and argues that the impact of this decision does not support a true balance between public and private land rights.
This past summer, the Supreme Court handed down its decision in West Virginia v. EPA, a case concerning the EPA's authority to decarbonize the nation's electricity-generating industry through "generation shifting." In this blog, 3L staffer Evan Callahan discusses how this decision impacts administrative law and the EPA's carbon emissions policies going forward.
