His numerous accomplishments in Congress included: serving as chair of the Subcommittee on Energy, Conservation and Power (1981–1985), a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, a member of the House Committee on Science and Technology, the founder of the Environmental and Energy Study Conference (largest bipartisan, bicameral caucus in Congress), and principal author of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA). Mr. Ottinger he was author of the Hudson River Compact Act.

U.S. Rep. George Latimer said, “The passing of Richard L. Ottinger marks yet another profound loss in Westchester’s political history. A distinguished member of Congress for eight terms, he was a steadfast champion of environmental causes, a brilliant legal educator, and a role model to all who followed in his path. We mourn his loss and place him alongside Ogden Reid and Nita Lowey among the very finest leaders Westchester has sent to our nation’s capital to represent our community. Our thoughts are with his family and friends as we honor his life and legacy.”

He was born on Jan. 27, 1929, in Westchester County and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Government from Cornell University in 1950 and graduated from Harvard Law School in 1953. He joined the U.S. Air Force, serving during the Korean War, rising to the rank of Captain and twice achieving distinction for his service. After leaving active military service, he practiced law in New York City, first as an associate at Cleary, Gottlieb, Friendly & Hamilton and later as a partner at Kridel, Malone & Spear.

After he decided not to run for re-election, Mr. Ottinger launched a second career in 1984 when he joined what was then known as Pace University School of Law in White Plains. He was a professor in Pace’s Environmental Law Program for 10 years. Shortly after joining Pace, Mr. Ottinger became co-director of the Center for Environmental Legal Studies and founded the Pace Energy Project, now known worldwide as the Pace Energy and Climate Center. It was through his work that Pace University became known worldwide for its environmental law program.

In 1994, Mr. Ottinger became Acting Dean and later Dean of Pace Law School, now known as the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University. In 2013, the Pace University Law School’s classroom building, which he helped advance during his time as Dean, was officially dedicated as Richard L. Ottinger Hall.

Mr. Ottinger was the Co-Founder and Chair Emeritus of the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI). It’s board chair, Jared Blum, said of Mr. Ottinger’s passing: “The country has lost a brilliant and dedicated public servant whose impact has extended far beyond his former role as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. He was a visionary co-founder of EESI and a pillar of the environmental community who galvanized us all. His legacy will live on, through EESI and through all the many individuals who believe, like Dick, that a lifetime commitment to protecting the environment can indeed make a difference.”

Mr. Ottinger leaves behind his beloved wife, June, whom he married in 1987, four children, 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.