Mike and Dave tackle the first episode of a three part series on one of this country's most impactful conservation laws - the Endangered Species Act (ESA). They share their personal experiences working with the ESA in science, law, and policy, and then dive into its storied history. Did you know that the ESA was Congress's 3rd attempt at a species preservation law? You will after this episode. The guys also discuss how a small fish shut down a $100 million water infrastructure project, the first US Supreme Court case interpreting the ESA, the amendments resulting from that case, and how that case changed the political dynamic surrounding the ESA. Parts 2 & 3 will discuss the mechanics of ESA, and the various efforts to amend the law. Settle in, this should be interesting.