In light of anti-fracking filmmaker Josh Fox’s arrest earlier this month, environmental activists at Ithaca College are bringing hydraulic fracturing back into mainstream debate.

Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-N.Y.) announced he would retire at the end of 2012 Thursday in Kingston, N.Y., marking the conclusion of his 20-year tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives. Hinchey, 73, represents the state’s 22nd congressional district, including the City of Ithaca and much of Tompkins County.