Blog By: Ben Robinson
In this blog, 2L Staffer Ben Robinson discusses the environmental ideals explaining how other countries have come to give nature "natural rights". He further advocates for a possible solution that replicates the international concept of natural rights, while conforming to and working within the United States legal system.
Blog By: Phillip Burress
In the summer of 2024, the Supreme Court overturned a precedent relied upon for decades by federal agencies. In this blog, 3L Staffer Phillip Burress discusses that with the death of Chevron deference, federal agencies face new challenges and an increased risk of litigation for interpretations they make on ambiguous statutes. Burress points out that many agencies have been preparing for this change for the past decade, and the threat this change imposes may not be as severe as many people think.
In this blog, 3L Staffer Bailey Truitt discusses the current trend of selling horse farms and the push to divide the land into housing in Lexington and all across Kentucky. Truitt discusses that while housing is necessary for Lexington, dividing up agricultural land is detrimental to the historical equine industry as well as contributing to the urban sprawl problem found in Lexington. Truitt argues that maintaining horse farms and agricultural land in and around Lexington is the best choice for the economic development and protection of historical business, as well as the prevention of urban sprawl.
Blog By: Lydia Deaton
In this blog, 2L Staffer Lydia Deaton argues that the agricultural community should apply intellectual property doctrines to solve agriculture’s emerging data security issues. Deaton discusses that so far, neither Congress nor the agriculture industry has provided much guidance on potential solutions to data security issues. Deaton contends that creating legislation with agricultural-specific IP protections would provide the data protections that are needed.
Blog By: Erica Joan Radermacher
In this blog, 2L Staffer Erica Joan Radermacher argues that it is important to prioritize collaboration when considering environmental conservation efforts in Mobile Bay juxtaposed with efforts to spur trade and economic development. Radermacher analyzes arguments of both proponents and critics of dredging the channel of Mobile Bay and pushes for an attitude of partnership between environmental and economic actors.
Blog By: Julia Giordano
In 2017, five animal activists removed two sick piglets from a pork manufacturing facility and a jury found the defendants not guilty on all charges. In this blog, 2L staffer Julia Giordano analyzes this case and explains how its implications could transcend to other animal welfare cases.
Blog By: Dylan Keefe
In August 2022, Congress passed the most significant climate legislation in American history: the Inflation Reduction Act. With historic funding secured, the country should be well on its way toward clean energy production, right? Well, not quite. Another obstacle remains: federal permitting requirements.
Blog By: Mary Jocelyn
In a statement accompanying the denial of certiorari for the most recent Antiquities Act case, Chief Justice Roberts discussed two critical components of the act yet to be determined by Congress or the courts - what is the smallest area compatible for the monument and how it should be operationalized. In this blog, 2L staffer Mary Jocelyn argues that the proclamation of Bears Ears as a national monument under the Antiquities Act is a paradox because it actually impairs the necessary resources required for management.
Blog By: Jordan Kamp
Following the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in McGirt v. Oklahoma, the state of Oklahoma has experienced a shift in its jurisdiction over surface coal mining. In this blog, 2L staffer Jordan Kamp argues that Oklahoma and its Tribes should draft intergovernmental agreements pertaining to surface coal mining that would enable the State to maintain some form of regulatory control.
Blog By: Sydney LaRue
Palm oil is found in a multitude of everyday products. In this blog, 2L staffer Sydney LaRue demonstrates that the bulk consumption of palm oil has led to deforestation. LaRue ultimately argues for more sustainable practices by requiring companies to disclose palm oil on ingredient lists and for consumers to demand the use of only sustainably grown palm oil.
Blog by: Matthew Hayes
In 2018, California voters passed Proposition Twelve, which prohibited the sale of meat procured from animals held in gestation crates. Gestation crates have been widely criticized as being an inhumane practice, despite their broad usage in the pork industry. Although the pork industry is challenging Proposition Twelve on a constitutional basis, 3L staffer Matthew Hayes explains why these actions should fail.
Blog by: Cameron Coyle
The U.S. Forest Service is proceeding with the South Red Bird Wildlife Enhancement Project, which is a plan to remove a substantial amount of trees in Daniel Boone National Forest. Kentucky Heartwood has filed an action in an attempt to stop the project. 2L staffer Cameron Coyle talks about the details of the action and the likelihood of its success in this piece.
Blog by: Christian T. Deeter
The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) created a non-governmental entity to regulate the horseracing industry and promote animal safety. There has been a split of authority regarding whether the Authority’s regulatory regime violates the non-delegation doctrine. Christian T. Deeter, our 2L staffer, argues that the Authority is lawful and beneficial to the industry.
