437 U.S. 153 (1978)
The case of Tennessee Valley Authority v. Hill is a foundational decision in environmental law, particularly concerning the enforcement of the Endangered Species Act of 1973.
Does the Endangered Species Act of 1973 prohibit the completion of federal projects that threaten the habitat of endangered species, such as the snail darter in this case?
Under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, all federal agencies are required to ensure that actions authorized, funded, or carried out by them do not jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of habitat critical to such species.
The Supreme Court held that the Endangered Species Act mandated the halting of the Tellico Dam project because it posed a threat to the endangered snail darter, demonstrating Congress's intent for the Act to serve as a comprehensive safeguard for endangered species.
This case is a cornerstone in environmental law, highlighting the effectiveness and supremacy of legislation in protecting vulnerable species even against economically significant developmental projects. For law students, it demonstrates the powerful implications of statutory language and congressional intent, serving as a critical example of how courts might prioritize environmental protection in light of legislative mandates.