By Chris Erickson* In November 2015, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman began an investigation into whether ExxonMobil made public statements about climate change that conflicted with its own internal research.[1] Schneiderman issued a subpoena to ExxonMobil ordering production of documents related to its internal climate change research and the use of that research in […]

By John Petoskey* On December 4th, 2016, the Army Corps of Engineers—acting under the Obama Administration—announced that it would not be granting the easement for Dakota Access LLC to build a pipeline under Lake Oahe in North Dakota.[1] The corps instead changed course and moved to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement and explore alternate routes.[2] An […]

By Mitchell Gilburne* Documented evidence of the environmental and ethical consequences of the Factory Farming System are manifold[1] and yet our nation-wide appetite for animal protein will not abate. Once, the Thanksgiving Turkey and the Christmas Ham were extravagances to be grateful for. Now, we expect them to be bigger, juicier, and even more golden […]

By Michael Smith* What was, until recently, a dream of science fiction moved firmly into the realm of scientific fact in January of this year when scientists at the Salk Institute announced—for the first time—the successful production of a viable pig embryo containing human cells.[1]  Such a part-pig-part-human organism is called a chimera.[2] Chimeras are […]

By Megan Stamm* One of President Trump’s promises during the 2016 election was repealing Obamacare.[1] President Trump never hid his opposition to the universal healthcare system. Trump stated, “Obamacare is a disaster. You know it. We all know it.”[2] President Trump and many republicans have issues with the Affordable Care Act.[3] Some of these issues […]

By Manas Kumar* Upon seeing a hazardous waste site, our moral impulse calls for the polluters to pay. Federal law endorses this view. The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (“CERCLA”) mandates that parties responsible (“PRPs”) pay to decontaminate waste sites under the “Polluter Pays” principle.[i] While socially beneficial, supportive of personal responsibility, […]