He was particularly noted for his work on protecting the natural environment. For fourteen years he chaired the Committee on Environmental Conservation. One highlight of his tenure was the passage of the country's first law concerning regulation of acid rain.
he no longer bills himself as a conservative or even a moderate Democrat. In fact, he is one of the most liberal members of the House, and one of the state's most liberal congressmen outside New York City. For example, his website states, "He was one of the first and most outspoken opponents of the 2003 war in Iraq."
He now serves on the powerful Appropriations Committee, a post that helps him deliver federal support on programs important to his district.
Hinchey is a member of Congressional Progressive Caucus, a group of liberal congressmen.
Representative Hinchey has been one of Congress' strongest voices in support of medical marijuana. The Hinchey-Rohrabacher medical marijuana amendment -- which has been introduced in the United States House of Representatives every year since 2003