Blog By: Antonio C. Ellzey
In this blog, 3L Antonio C. Ellzey points out that California Governor Newsom recently vetoed a pending California state law that aimed to address the dangers of gas appliances. Specifically, the new law would have required manufacturers to place warning labels on gas stoves to inform consumers of their health effects. Some say the new law would help build awareness around a hidden danger while others say the new would restrict Californians’ freedom. Ellzey believes the pending law would positively impact Californians because they can make better-informed decisions around their health and safety, which would ultimately help save lives.
Blog By: Stevi Whitman
In this blog, 3L staffer Stevi Whitman argues for the use of certification marks to promote authenticity within the whiskey industry by introducing the Estate Whiskey Alliance® (EWA). The EWA is a member led association spearheaded by UK Innovate at the University of Kentucky, the James B. Beam Institute, Marker’s Mark Distillery, and other founding members, tasked with ensuring quality standards of whiskey production, promoting the benefits of local sourcing, and advancing sustainability efforts throughout the whiskey industry through the use of certification marks.
Blog By: Phillip Burress
Kentucky is home to 100 distilleries in 42 counties and produces 95% of the world's bourbon. In this Blog, 3L Phillip Burress discusses the threat posed by "Whiskey Fungus" on Kentucky property owners and the legal challenges facing Kentucky distillers.
Blog By: Ashton Edwards
In this Blog, 3L Staffer Ashton Edwards argues that instead of staying silent on the issue, Congress should respond to the interstate commerce concerns that reside in the Prop 12, a proposition that was made law by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2023. Edwards discusses that so far, Congress has yet to address the arguments and concerns of Farmers, the Court, or citizens, even though this law arguably has a substantial impact on interstate commerce.
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: Garrison Rosser
Despite political polarization, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investments are on the rise. In this blog, Notes Editor Garrison Rosser explains that lawyers should embrace ESG practices to better advise their clients while also leaving the environment in a better condition.
Blog By: Julia Ray
The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) regulates pesticide distribution, sale, and use. In this blog, 2L staffer Julia Ray explains that current structure of FIFRA allows unsafe pesticides to be produced in the US. Further, Ray argues that FIFRA should be amended to remove the registration exception for exported pesticides to promote public health and minimize the environmental impact of pesticides.
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.
