99% Invisible The Wide Open
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Feb 4, 2025 
Nick Mott, host of The Wide Open, and Zig Plotter, a law professor and snail darter advocate, explore the fascinating legal battles to protect this tiny fish. They discuss how the fight sparked transformations in the Endangered Species Act, turning it into a key environmental law. The duo recounts the dramatic courtroom clashes and the grassroots activism that shaped a new era of conservation. Listeners will be captivated by the interplay of ecological urgency and personal stakes in this landmark environmental struggle.
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Unforeseen Consequences
- The Endangered Species Act's framers didn't fully grasp the extent of the extinction crisis or its impact.
- The unforeseen consequences included citizen lawsuits, project halts, and effects on property owners.
The Snail Darter's Discovery
- Law student Hank Hill learned about a tiny fish, the snail darter, threatened by a TVA dam.
- This sparked an idea for his environmental law term paper and a fight against the dam.
The Fight Continues
- Zig Plotter recognizes that winning in the Supreme Court doesn't end the battle for the Little Tennessee River.
- He realizes he must win over legislators and the public to truly protect it.
