Closer to Zero: A Call for FDA Action to Reduce Toxic Heavy Metals in Baby Food Products

Closer to Zero: A Call for FDA Action to Reduce Toxic Heavy Metals in Baby Food Products

Blog By: McKinley Pitts

In 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration created the Closer to Zero Action Plan in an effort to reduce toxic heavy metals in baby food products. In this blog, 2L staffer McKinley Pitts discusses the FDA's slow progress and inaction under its Closer to Zero initiative. Pitts argues that the FDA has the authority and resources to establish guidelines and regulations and to ensure industry compliance in order to mitigate the potential harmful effects of environmental contaminants in baby food. 

The Intersection of Solar, Shade, and Soil: How the Practice of Agrivoltaics Could Solve Nationwide Problems

The Intersection of Solar, Shade, and Soil: How the Practice of Agrivoltaics Could Solve Nationwide Problems

Blog By: Abbey Norvell

In this blog, 2L Staffer Abbey Norvell discusses how the increased need for renewable energy and food security could be answered with a multi-faceted solution called agrivoltaics. Agrivoltaics, the practice of utilizing solar panels and agriculture on the same land, yields many benefits related to soil, wildlife, and food. As other countries experienced success in crop yields and habitation by implementing agrivoltaics, Norvell argues that the U.S. should incentivize implementing agrivoltaics by offering more substantial grants and tax breaks to farmers who utilize the practice on their farmland.

No Wine Left Behind: Why the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Must Insure Smoke Taint Grapes

No Wine Left Behind: Why the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Must Insure Smoke Taint Grapes

Blog By: Stephanie Gonzalez

In her blog, 2L Stephanie Gonzalez analyzes the increase in wildfires on the United States West Coast that has left many grape growers with smoke taint grapes. Smoke taint grapes are not currently insured by The Federal Crop Insurance Company, leaving many wine growers with unsellable wine. Gonzalez argues that the Federal Crop Insurance should be amended to cover smoke taint grapes as a cause of loss.

Keep the Rain Falling: Considerations for the Colorado River Basin Cloud Seeding Agreement

Keep the Rain Falling:  Considerations for the Colorado River Basin Cloud Seeding Agreement

Blog By: Mary Jocelyn

The Western U.S. faces unprecedented drought coupled with a growing population and is quickly running out of water. Now, states throughout the Colorado River Basin are collectively employing cloud seeding to make it rain on demand. 3L Staffer, Mary Jocelyn, discusses the potential litigation risks and policy implications of their agreement and proposes solutions for Western Policymakers. 

Keep Our Equines SAFE

Keep Our Equines SAFE

Blog By: Eddie Beusch

Despite their healthy and adoptable bodies, thousands of horses face slaughtering each year. In his blog, 3L Staffer Eddie Beusch argues that passing the Save America’s Forgotten Equines Act (SAFE Act) is critical in protecting these animals, as it would add equines to the list of animals prohibited for consumption.

Seed Oil Domination and Destruction: Why the U.S. Should Follow Other Countries in Adopting Stricter Regulation of Genetically Modified Seed Oils

Seed Oil Domination and Destruction: Why the U.S. Should Follow Other Countries in Adopting Stricter Regulation of Genetically Modified Seed Oils

Blog By: Stevi Howard

In this blog, 2L Staffer Stevi Howard outlines the evolution and domination of seed and vegetable oils in the Western diet. She advises that the United States take a more protective and proactive approach in regulating the consumption of seed and vegetable oils, comparable to other countries.