The Wide Open

This episode of 99% Invisible interviews Nick Mott, host of the podcast "The Wide Open," about his series on the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The interview begins with Mott's personal journey leading to his interest in the ESA, then delves into the historical context of the act's passage in 1973 and its initial bipartisan support. The main focus is a detailed recounting of the landmark Supreme Court case *Tennessee Valley Authority v. Hill*, concerning the snail darter, highlighting the legal battles and political maneuvering surrounding the Teleco Dam project. A key takeaway is the unexpected power of the ESA, initially used to protect a seemingly insignificant species, to influence major policy decisions and expose flaws in large-scale development projects. The episode ultimately demonstrates how seemingly small environmental issues can have significant legal and political ramifications.