Blog By: Emily Sumrall

In this blog, 2L Staffer Emily Sumrall discusses the decades of back and forth between horse trainer Bob Baffert and the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, with an emphasis on Baffert's recent suspension following the 2021 Kentucky Derby. Sumrall argues that the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission should adopt a stricter procedure in disciplining violations of the rules and regulations governing horse racing in order to promote the health and safety of horses and participants.

Blog By: Luke Price

The SAFE Bet Act aims to establish federal standards for responsible gambling in the rapidly expanding American sports betting industry. In this blog, 2L Staffer Luke Price argues that despite facing opposition, the SAFE Bet Act could benefit the industry by creating a uniform regulatory framework while addressing public health concerns. Price also explores how the Act's provisions, particularly advertising restrictions and limitations on proposition bets, could significantly impact horse betting, potentially reshaping gambling in states like Kentucky.

Blog By: Abigail Barford

In this blog, 3L Staffer Abigail Barford discusses the recently passed Florida legislation which removed the term “climate change” from Florida law and changed the state's energy policies. Barford discusses criticism as well as Governor Ron DeSantis's justifications for the legislation, concluding that the state of Florida, a state heavily impacted by climate change, would benefit from consulting environmental and climate experts when drafting legislation.

Blog By: Sam Hilgeman

In this blog, 2L Staffer Sam Hilgeman argues that the Supreme Court has a unique opportunity to find a balance between reasonable environmental regulation and providing an efficient review process for major infrastructure projects. Hilgeman focuses on the broad scope permitted to government agencies in the environment effects they must address that create burdensome hurdles for developers to overcome. 

Blog By: Grace McDonald

Greenwashing is a deceitful advertising tactic that businesses use by making misleading claims about their environmental impact for financial gain. In this blog, 3L Staffer Grace McDonald discusses that the United States' current regulations are ineffective, and greenwashing litigation continues to rise. McDonald asserts that it is time for the United States to enact stricter greenwashing regulations like that of the EU in order for consumers to trust the "eco-friendly" products they see on the shelves.

Blog By: Lauren K. Repa

Kentucky is known worldwide for its horse races, and betting on horse races is integral to Kentucky's culture and economy. In this blog, 2L Staffer Lauren K. Repa argues that the passing of House Bill 551 this past September, legalizing all sports betting, might put horse racing at risk, with betters flocking to other forms of gambling. However, not all is lost; Repa asserts AI apps such as EquinEdge might be the program Kentuckians need to keep horse racing alive with the passing of the new legislation. 

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.