By: Greg McNally Introduction Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) scores are a measurement tool used to help “investors to identify companies that align with their values.”[1] As ESG quickly became a leading metric for ethical investing, the world’s largest investment firms took note. Consequently, the nation witnessed an unprecedented collision Read more…
By: Chad Thornton Parishes throughout Louisiana are finding difficulty in rezoning parish lands that have been previously permitted or may be permitted for use in the oil and gas industry. Under Article 6 of the Louisiana Constitution, the regulation of the oil and gas industry by the Commissioner of the Read more…
By: Trent Tucker It is no secret that the Louisiana economy has struggled in recent years. Studies ranking states based on economic environment, median household income, poverty rates, and unemployment rates continue to slot Louisiana at the end of their lists.[1] Much of the state’s recent disappointing performance is connected Read more…
By: Alex LeJeune Introduction Over the last ten years, Louisiana appellate courts have grappled with the problem of how to recompense landowners who have purchased property which has been contaminated or damaged as a result of prior mineral operations and other consumption-based land activity. As mineral production increases, so does Read more…
By: Rachel Hart A recent United States Supreme Court decision answered a long-debated question regarding a major provision of the Clean Water Act.[1]Although the answer given by the Court is broad and imprecise, it tightens restrictions on direct discharges into navigable waters of the United States, promoting healthier and cleaner Read more…
By Michael Dalman Introduction The scope of ramifications of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is yet to be known. One aspect that will continue to develop with the pandemic, and afterwards through recovery, is the energy crisis and the downstream effects therefrom. In April of 2020, as the world continued Read more…
By Brianne Bennett INTRODUCTION In the last four years since President Donald J. Trump has taken office, he and his administration have been hard at work attempting to dismantle major climate protections and have rolled back over 70 rules governing environmental protections focusing on water, toxic chemicals, clean air, and Read more…
BURNIN’ LOVE: A PEEK INTO UPDATED FEDERAL TOBACCO REQUIREMENTS AND THEIR EFFECT IN LOUISIANA BY Stephen Vick Introduction On December 20, 2019, President Donald Trump signed into law an amendment to the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (“FDCA”), raising the minimum age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to Read more…
CHALLENGING NEPA: THE FUTURE OF ENVIRONMENTAL IPMACT STUDIES BY Jared L. Matte INTRODUCTION In 1970, President Nixon signed the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) into law.[1] “Congress enacted NEPA to establish a national policy for the environment, provide for the establishment of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ),” and achieve Read more…
Can Industrial Hemp Save Louisiana? By Karina Shareen[1] Introduction Louisiana is one of the top producers of sugarcane, rice, cotton, corn, and soybeans.[2] As a result, it has suffered two kinds of problems, both of which increasingly threaten Louisiana’s local economy and health. First, Louisiana is experiencing abnormal levels of Read more…