Former U.S. Rep. Maurice Hinchey, a veteran lawmaker known for pressing to protect the environment during a career that spanned from the era of the Love Canal toxic waste site to the recent debate over natural-gas fracking, has died. Hinchey, a Democrat, died Wednesday at his home in Saugerties, in the Hudson Valley, his family said in a statement on his Facebook page. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi called Hinchey a fierce defender of the environment, strong advocate for veterans and "tireless progressive champion for American families." Hinchey retired from Congress in 2013, after 20 years there and 18 years in the state Assembly, where he developed an expertise on environmental issues. Republican Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro said Hinchey left "a living, breathing legacy that remains a foundation of our quality-of-life" throughout New York state.

Source: Fox News November 24, 2017 01:07 UTC