Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) formally announced today that he will retire at the end of his current term. The ten-term Congressman has been a champion for the environment, public health and public lands throughout his career, including being a leader for protections from the controversial form of gas development known as hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. Congressman Hinchey was an original co-sponsor of the Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals (FRAC) Act—which seeks to close an oil and gas industry loophole for fracking in the Safe Drinking Water Act.

Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-NY)

The following is a statement from Earthjustice Vice President for Policy and Legislation Marty Hayden:

“We are deeply grateful to Congressman Maurice Hinchey for his twenty years of service in the United States Congress. A long-time champion for the environment and public health, in recent years Congressman Hinchey has led the charge to roll back a loophole in the Safe Drinking Water Act for the oil and gas industry.

“At a time when some members of Congress scrambled to cater to the oil and gas industry, Congressman Hinchey continues to stand up and demand they follow the law and disclose the toxic chemicals they are pumping into the ground during fracking.

“The people of New York and the people who live in our nation’s gasfields have been well-served by his courage and determination. His leadership is greatly appreciated.”