From Fortune Magazine:

President Richard Nixon signed the Endangered Species Act into law on Dec. 28, 1973, charging the federal government with preserving every endangered plant and animal in America. The law was groundbreaking in the field of environmental legislation, coming during a time of widespread support for cleaning up the environment. However, it became controversial over the years due to economic conflicts and difficulties in prioritization of endangered species.

The Act was implemented by a group of young biologists known as the Office of Endangered Species, including ichthyologist Jim Williams, herpetologist Ken Dodd, and Ron Nowak, who worked on surveys of wolves and panthers. Williams and Dodd faced obstacles such as potential threats and firings when they pushed for listing the snail darter and opposing restaurant practices. Nowak faced difficulties with his agency in his efforts to prevent hunting of the gray wolf and listing the Louisiana black bear. The perseverance and efforts of these biologists reflect their dedication to protecting endangered species and the environment.



Read more: The endangered Species Act turns 50, and those who created and enforced it recall its highs and lows: ‘I was threatened many times’