Color at a Cost: Why the United States Should Ban Synthetic Food Dyes

Color at a Cost: Why the United States Should Ban Synthetic Food Dyes

Blog By: Julia Ray

In her blog, 3L Staffer Julia Ray discusses the use of synthetic food dyes in the United States and the negative impact these dyes have on human health and the environment. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) acknowledges the possibility of negative health effects on individuals but places the burden on the consumer to avoid dyes if they choose. Ray argues that the negative effects of synthetic dyes—along with the fact that they add no nutritional value to food—results in the need for banning their use.

An Industry with Tied Hands: A Call for Kentucky Legislation Establishing Farmers’ Right to Repair

An Industry with Tied Hands: A Call for Kentucky Legislation Establishing Farmers’ Right to Repair

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.

Your Beauty is Their Pain: An Urge for the U.S. to Ban Animal Testing in Cosmetics

Your Beauty is Their Pain: An Urge for the U.S. to Ban Animal Testing in Cosmetics

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. 

The Kentucky Coal Severance Tax: Helping or Harming the Kentucky Coal Industry?

The Kentucky Coal Severance Tax: Helping or Harming the Kentucky Coal Industry?

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.

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.