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: Sallie Sutton
In this blog, 2L Staffer Sallie Sutton argues that the healthcare industry, specifically within the United States, is rapidly increasing and leading to record-high annual deaths. Sutton suggests that the United States turn to other countries with implemented efforts to decrease greenhouse gases, thus saving lives.
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.
