Statement from Kierán Suckling, executive director of the Center for Biological Diversity:

“By co-authoring the Endangered Species Act, Congressman Pete McCloskey made one of the single biggest contributions to wildlife conservation in American history. The landmark law that he championed has helped save countless animals and plants from extinction, and it’s been a model for conservation legislation in countries around the world.

“It was a mark of McCloskey’s extraordinary passion and dedication that he came out of retirement in 2006 to challenge Richard Pombo, who was openly contemptuous of efforts to protect endangered wildlife, for his old seat in Congress. While McCloskey lost the primary, his intervention in the race and endorsement of Pombo’s foe in the general election helped overcome one of the most anti-conservation lawmakers in Congress.

“Congressman McCloskey was a true champion of endangered species throughout his decades-long career in public life. With the extinction crisis mounting, we need far more lawmakers in the mold of the great Pete McCloskey. Sadly they’re far and few between, particularly in today’s Republican party.

“I’m saddened by McCloskey’s passing, but he leaves a hell of a legacy.”