CTM Holdings LLC v. USDA
Farming family fights government’s illegal restrictions on their livelihood
Iowa attorney Jim Conlan grew up in a farming family, so when considering new investment options, reconnecting with his family legacy through agriculture was a natural fit. But Jim's efforts to support this time-honored industry soon ran headlong into government overreach by regulators that lack his deep respect for farming's critical role in sust ...
Friends of the Crazy Mountains v. Erickson
Defending protections for property owners and respect for property rights
Like much of the American West, the area around Montana's Crazy Mountains—the Crazies—is a checkerboard of federal, state, and private land. Also, as is typical in the western U.S., access to the Crazies' higher-elevation public land is limited and requires permission from private landowners. ...
Green v. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Fishermen fight illegal fishing ban
In 2021, President Biden issued a presidential proclamation that banned commercial fishing across millions of acres in the fertile Georges Bank region of the North Atlantic Ocean, a devastating blow to New England's iconic fishing industry. If the president can designate "ecosystems" and millions of acres of the ocean floor as "a national monument, ...
White v. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Feds ignore the Supreme Court to prosecute property owners
Robert White worked for many years to build a highly successful commercial seafood business in North Carolina. While he earned a good livelihood, he invested much of his earnings in coastal property as a way to ensure financial security for his children.But now Robert and his family face financial ruin due to a remorseless power grab by two federal ...
Valencia Ag, LLC v. Alexander
Race and sex preferences in New York business licensing deny equal treatment and opportunity
When the State of New York legalized cannabis in 2021, William and Emmet Purcell seized the opportunity to plant roots in the burgeoning industry. By September 2023, William and Emmet had established their business, Valencia Ag, in upstate New York. They signed a $2,000-per-month lease—plus utilities. All that remained was to get a license. Valen ...
Californians for Equal Rights Foundation v. City of San Diego
San Diego first-time homebuyers fight for equal treatment under the law
The San Diego Housing Commission launched a pilot program in 2023 to help middle-income, first-time homebuyers achieve "the dream of homeownership." The program provides up to $40,000 for down payments and closing costs—among the greatest barriers to first-time homeownership. No matter who meets the eligibility requirements for residency, fina ...
Do No Harm v. Gianforte
Race and gender preferences deny equality and opportunity on Montana’s public boards
Government regulatory boards are commonplace for countless professions throughout the country. Boards governing healthcare professions are among the most notable, as they're tasked with protecting citizens' health and safety. All states and several U.S. territories established boards to regulate the practice of medicine. In Montana, medical practit ...
Texas Alliance of Energy Producers, et al. v. SEC
SEC uses new climate change rule to shame companies and undermine Congress
On March 6, 2024, the Securities and Exchange Commission finalized a rule mandating climate-related disclosures from publicly traded companies. This is on top of the agency's existing regulations requiring companies to disclose material environmental risks. The new Climate Rule mandates that public companies must report on whether they have imple ...
Joe Manis v. U.S. Department of Agriculture
Horse owner battles government agency’s unlawful in-house tribunals
Joe Manis is a retired North Carolina business owner who has been involved with Tennessee Walking Horses for more than 50 years. When he sold his modular-home company in May 2022 at age 76, he was finally able to focus on the beloved, elegant walking horses he owns and cares for at his family's Laurinburg, ...