Build, Interrupted: A Conversation with Ezra Klein

In this episode of 99% Invisible, Roman Mars interviews Ezra Klein, co-author of "Abundance," about the legal and procedural obstacles hindering infrastructure development in the United States. Klein argues that problems like housing shortages and clean energy deficits aren't due to technological or financial limitations, but rather self-imposed bureaucratic delays and veto points. They discuss the California high-speed rail project as a prime example of how excessive negotiation, environmental clearances, and lawsuits can stall critical projects. Klein contrasts the current state with the New Deal era, noting how liberalism has evolved to sometimes obstruct progress. He advocates for a shift towards trusting government to make informed judgments, streamlining processes, and learning from successful models in other countries to achieve a vision of abundance.