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 Shortly after, the legislature rescinded the rule, which Short argues was the right decision because of the requirement's uncertainty in enforcement and effectiveness, as well as the detriment to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: Will Miller
In this blog, 2L Staffer Will Miller analyzes a Colorado statute passed in 2023 establishing a farmer's right to repair equipment, which was a huge achievement for the Right to Repair movement. Miller advocates for Kentucky to pass similar legislation, given the importance of the farming industry to the Commonwealth.
Blog By: Jared Abrahams
In this blog, 2L Staffer Jared Abrahams provides an overview of the current state of the thoroughbred breeding industry, and the present constriction of it. Abrahams advocates for the institution of a stallion cap to halt the rise in inbreeding and protect the future of the industry and the health of the breed.
Blog By: Grace McDonald
In her blog, 2L Staffer Grace McDonald explores the adverse effects of animal testing, highlighting environmental concerns that result from disposing of animal bodies and laboratory supplies, contamination of soil and water, and the loss of species from their natural habitats, among others. McDonald argues that many countries have banned the testing of cosmetic products on animals, and it's time for the United States to follow suit.
Blog By: Lauren Chugg
In her Blog, 2L Staffer Lauren Chugg discusses why the coal mining industry in Kentucky is at a disadvantage when participating in bids to sell coal compared to other states due to the presence of a severance tax. Chugg proposes a potential remedy but ultimately advocates for a reassessment of the severance tax by the Kentucky legislature.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Blog By: Bailey Truitt
In this Blog, 2L Staffer Bailey Truitt advises that in order to avoid civil penalties and fines, Kentucky’s equine industry must carefully consider whether they are in compliance with regulations surrounding Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (“CAFOs”) as horse parks are considered CAFOs.
