California Becomes the First State with Direct Potable Reuse Regulations

By: Victor Chahin

The American Southwest has recently encountered its driest periods in 1,200 years.^[1] California, one of the most populous yet driest states in the United States, continuously grapples with exacerbated drought conditions.^[2] Over the past decade, the Golden State has witnessed an increase in both the frequency and severity of dry periods in comparison to wet ones, significantly impacting the state’s water supply and reserves.^[3]

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A New High Seas Treaty: What it Could Mean for the Future of the Oceans

By Journal Editor

On January 6, 2024

In News & Announcements

A New High Seas Treaty: What it Could Mean for the Future of the Oceans

By: Mira Rhodes

The ocean makes up about 70% of the earth’s surface.^[1] Because these waters flow outside national boundaries, they have always been unregulated and thus unprotected from human-created environmental threats.^[2] However, in early March of 2023, United Nations (U.N.) member states agreed upon a High Seas Treaty aimed at protecting and conserving biodiversity in international waters.^[3] This treaty is known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) treaty.^[4] The treaty was formally adopted by the U.N. in June of 2023^[5] and signed by the United States on September 20, 2023.^[6]

Ditch Your Lawn

By Journal Editor

On December 21, 2023

In News & Announcements

Ditch your lawn

By: Madeline Cintron

Across the country, acres of land are being used to grow one thing—turfgrass. ^[1] Turfgrass used in many lawns is nonnative, and it usually takes up the entire lawn, creating a monoculture environment.^[2] While a grassy lawn may be better than pavement, the carbon cost of maintaining that lawn likely outweighs the carbon benefit.^[3] Grassy lawns need extra maintenance and act as a dead space for pollinators and other native wildlife.^[4] One yard may seem like a small thing, but small steps taken by masses of people can influence climate change.^[5]

States Paving the Way for a Bright Future for Residential Solar

By Journal Editor

On November 10, 2023

In News & Announcements

States Paving the Way for a Bright Future for Residential Solar

By: Jack Sundermann

When deciding whether to install solar energy systems into their homes, most Americans heavily consider overall cost and payback period on their investment. Despite advances in technology over the past decade, residential solar systems represent a significant investment with an average gross cost of $20,650.^[1] Prices for similarly sized solar energy systems can vary wildly from state to state.^[2] Interestingly, this is often less to do with average sunlight and more to do with the incentives and policies enacted by local governments.

Composting: How a Relic from Our Past could Become a Key to Our Future

By Journal Editor

On October 27, 2023

In News & Announcements

Composting: How a Relic from our Past Could Become a Key to our Future

By: Davey Komisar

Chicago is often thought of as the de facto capital of the Midwest. Towering over the shores of Lake Michigan, the metropolis boasts a bustling restaurant scene, passionate sports fandoms, and a rich history of times gone by. Recently, the people of Chicago are seen as champions of environmental policy reform. [1] This week, to bolster the city’s composting levels, Chicago launched a citywide food drop-off initiative, marking the first of its kind in the city’s long history. [2]

Florida’s Perfect Hot Tub: The Intersection of Law and Climate Change

By Journal Editor

On October 13, 2023

In News & Announcements

By: Katelyn Holcomb

Florida’s Perfect Hot Tub: The Intersection of Law and Climate Change

Florida’s coastline is celebrated for its pristine beaches, refreshing ocean water, and a diverse ecosystem of sea life. However, in July of 2023, Florida made the news in much graver circumstances.

Florida’s water temperatures usually average around 88 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer.[1] However, this July, scientists recorded temperatures at 101.1 degrees Fahrenheit in some areas like Manatee Bay near Everglades National Park.[2] According to Hot Spring Spas, the ideal temperature for a hot tub measures around 100 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit—making Florida’s ocean water the perfect jacuzzi.[3] This unprecedented spike in ocean temperature has climate and ocean scientists alarmed, and you should be, too.

Executive Action Remains the Federal Strategy for Environmental Justice

By Journal Editor

On October 2, 2023

In News & Announcements

By: Blythe Pabon

Executive Action Remains the Federal Strategy for Environmental Justice

On April 21, 2023, President Biden signed Executive Order 14096 to “revitalize our nation’s commitment to environmental justice for all.”[1] The Order strengthens a 1994 Clinton Executive Order, creates a new White House Office of Environmental Justice, and directs all federal agencies to make environmental justice central to their mission.[2]

New Federal Regulation to Combat Forever Chemicals

By Journal Editor

On April 28, 2023

In News & Announcements

New Federal Regulation to Combat Forever Chemicals

By: Joseph Garza

The Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) is proposing a rule to establish legally enforceable levels for six different per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”) in drinking water.[i] These standards, known as Maximum Containment Levels (“MCLs”), will set the maximum allowable amount of these six PFAS in public drinking water systems throughout the country.

East Palestine Train Derailment: Profits Over Safety

By Journal Editor

On April 14, 2023

In News & Announcements

East Palestine Train Derailment: Profits Over Safety

By: Jacob Regan

The U.S. Government is suing Norfolk Southern for environmental and public health damages caused by its train derailment in Ohio. On the evening of Friday, February 3, 2023, a train owned by Norfolk Southern derailed in East Palestine, Ohio. Fifty of the train cars derailed or were affected by the derailment, and 20 of which contained hazardous substances.^[1] Such substances included vinyl chloride, combustible liquids, butyl acrylate, and benzene residue.^[2] Early morning Saturday, February 4, around 2:00 A.M. EST, the EPA arrived on-site to assist in clean-up.^[3] On February 21, the EPA issued a unilateral administrative order, commanding Norfolk Southern to perform additional cleanup duties.^[4] On February 25, a few weeks after citizens who evacuated the area returned, the EPA and other federal agencies began conducting outreach to East Palestine residents, including opening a support hotline.^[5] Throughout the rest of February and March, the EPA continued interacting with the community and monitoring the air, water, and soil/sediment in the town and nearby, while pressuring Norfolk Southern to increase its measures.^[6]^[7]^[8]^[9]^[10]

Fictional Fungal Species Demonstrates Real Consequences of Global Warming

By Journal Editor

On March 31, 2023

In News & Announcements

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

FICTIONAL FUNGAL SPECIES DEMONSTRATES REAL CONSEQUENCES OF GLOBAL WARMING

By: Hannah Russell

HBO’s newest hit series, The Last of Us, uses science fiction to highlight very real potential dangers of climate change. Since 1975, Earth’s average temperature has risen by 1.44 degrees Fahrenheit. Scientists predict that by 2070, temperatures will rise another 3.6 to 9 degrees.[1] While the effect of global warming on humans, plants, and animals is well documented, the impact on microorganisms is frequently overlooked in climate change research.[2] Fungal pathogens are particularly thermotolerant, meaning that as temperatures gradually increase, so will the prevalence of fungal diseases that were originally rare or unknown.[3] There are currently no vaccines able to combat fungi, and there is little economic incentive for pharmaceutical companies to invest in anti-fungal research.[4]

Chicago-Kent Journal of Environmental and Energy Law

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