Below is a selection of recent news highlights featuring members of Vermont Law and Graduate School’s faculty and staff.
Blood, Body Parts and Bacteria Pollute Wastewater from Meatpacking Plants, New Rules Could Help Clean It Up
March 3, 2025
U.S. Right to Know
Delcianna Winders, director of the Animal Law and Policy Institute, is quoted regarding wastewater from meatpacking plants polluting waterways, which contributes to environmental damage and public health risks. The EPA is set to introduce new regulations to curb these pollutants, but industry opposition and political challenges may delay or weaken the impact.
Electric Vehicle Industry Will Persist, Experts Say, Despite Trump Funding Cuts
March 6, 2025
News From the States
Despite funding cuts and regulatory changes under the Trump administration, experts believe the electric vehicle industry will continue to grow. Mark James, interim director of the Institute for Energy and the Environment, comments on the outlook for internal combustion engine cars as competition from the growing demand for electric vehicles increases.
Five Years After Maine’s First Case, Where Does COVID-19 Now Stand?
March 12, 2025
Portland Press Herald
With the five-year anniversary of Maine’s first presumptive case of COVID-19, Quixada Moore-Vissing, interim director of the Center for Justice Reform, shares her research on the post-COVID influx of newcomers to the state.
Revoking EPA’s Endangerment Finding–the Keystone of US Climate Policies–Won’t Be Simple and Could Have Unintended Consequences
March 19, 2025
The Conversation
Pat Parenteau, professor of law emeritus and senior fellow for climate policy, contributes an article to The Conversation discussing the potential consequences of the Trump administration’s plan to revoke the EPA’s 2009 endangerment finding, which deems greenhouse gases a threat to human health.
Student Protesters Fear Federal Pushback
March 20, 2025
WCAX
As attitudes regarding student protests shift on college campuses across the country under the second Trump administration, VLGS President Rod Smolla provides his thoughts.
Advocates Celebrate as Judge Orders Vermont Immigrant Released from ICE Custody
March 21, 2025
VTDigger
Brett Stokes, director of the Center for Justice Reform Clinic, represents a Vermont immigrant originally from Venezuela (referred to as Alexi), who was detained at the Highgate Springs US border crossing in February. Alexi has spent more than a month in ICE custody. On March 20, his release was confirmed given his Temporary Protected Status and pending asylum case.
Getting Answers: Why Did VT Judge Dismiss Fraud Charges Against Home Contractor?
March 27, 2025
WCAX
A Vermont judge dismissed fraud charges against contractor James Martin, ruling that the state’s home improvement fraud law, which forces contractors to complete unfinished work, is unconstitutional. Jared Carter JD’09, professor of law, explains the thinking behind this ruling.
NACRJ Proudly Announces New Board Members
National Association of Community and Restorative Justice
The National Association of Community and Restorative Justice recently announced the addition of DeMointé Wesley, assistant director of partnerships and communications for the National Center on Restorative Justice, to its board of directors.
Your Legal Career Starts Here
The National Jurist
Beth Locker, associate dean for Experiential Learning and director of the JD Externship Program, gave her advice for law students and recent graduates navigating the job hunt. Her tips include demonstrating leadership, building and maintaining a network, treating internships and externships like “job auditions,” and exploring nontraditional pathways to find fulfilling legal careers.