Dean Emeritus Richard L. Ottinger, a key figure in environmental law and education, has died at the age of 97. The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University announced his passing, reflecting on a career that spanned public service, legislative leadership, and academic innovation.
Ottinger was born in Westchester County on January 27, 1929. He graduated from Cornell University in 1950 and Harvard Law School in 1953 before serving as a Captain in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. After his military service, he practiced law in New York City.
A co-founder of the Peace Corps, Ottinger served as Director of Latin American Programs from 1961 to 1964. In 1964, he became the first Democrat elected to represent his Westchester district in Congress, where he served for sixteen years. During his tenure, Ottinger became known for his early advocacy on environmental issues and energy conservation. He chaired the Subcommittee on Energy, Conservation and Power and was one of the principal authors of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA), which opened utility markets to renewable energy sources.
Ottinger also founded what would become the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI), continuing to influence policy after leaving Congress.
In 1984, Ottinger joined Pace University School of Law as a professor. He later co-directed the Center for Environmental Legal Studies and founded what is now known as the Pace Energy and Climate Center. His work there advanced legal approaches to integrating renewable energy into state systems and reframed environmental harm as an economic issue rather than an unavoidable cost.
Ottinger’s research included pioneering studies such as “Environmental Costs of Electricity” (1990), which influenced how regulators assess energy costs by including environmental impacts.
He became Dean of Pace Law School in 1994. His leadership saw initiatives like establishing a Board of Visitors, expanding international programs, launching an annual fundraising dinner, developing new facilities—including what is now Richard L. Ottinger Hall—and bringing the New York State Judicial Institute to campus.
A former student described him as “a memorable Dean… acclaimed for his outreach to, and inclusion of students in all matters affecting the school.” She added that he was “an approachable Dean,” who led with “compassion” and “integrity.”
Ottinger himself said: “Students are what a university is all about. The greatest joy of teaching is to see our students grow and succeed. We so often learn more from them than they from us.”
At a building dedication ceremony in his honor in 2013, Ottinger remarked: “Such an honor usually is reserved for those who are deceased.” He emphasized collective effort over individual recognition: “No one builds a building by oneself, or a law school either for that matter.”
Internationally recognized for his expertise on environmental law—especially renewable energy—Ottinger lectured at organizations such as IRENA (International Renewable Energy Agency) and participated actively with IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). His book on renewable energy law was launched at a United Nations climate conference.
Throughout his life he authored or co-authored more than one hundred articles and several books focused on environmental law topics.
Richard L. Ottinger is survived by his wife June, four children, ten grandchildren, and many colleagues who credit him with shaping their careers—as well as modern environmental policy itself.
“Students are what a university is all about. The greatest joy of teaching is to see our students grow and succeed. We so often learn more from them than they from us.”
