Benfield Takes Job With Environmental Group, Won't Seek Re-Election

Longtime state Rep. Stephanie Stuckey Benfield is taking a job with a state environmental advocacy organization and won't run again for her seat in District 85.

A press release that came out Wednesday morning said Benfield will become executive director of GreenLaw, which "is dedicated to preventing air and water pollution that endangers human health and degrades Georgia's natural resources. GreenLaw achieves these goals by providing free high quality legal and technical assistance to environmental organizations and community groups throughout Georgia."

Benfield said last year that the state Republicans had targeted District 85 in GOP-controlled redistricting. Her district was drawn in with another Democrat's, state Rep. Howard Mosby's 90th district.

Benfield was first elected in 1998. District 85 includes neighborhoods in Avondale Estates, Candler Road, Columbia Drive, Fernbank, Forrest Hills, Knollwood, Midway Woods, Oakhurst, South Decatur, Wadsworth and Winona Park.

Benfield has been interested in environmental issues for a long time. She served 14 years on the Georgia House's Natural Resources Committee. The press release said,

Her commitment to clean water and clean air issues grew even stronger after her son was diagnosed with asthma.

 "When I learned that my son has asthma, it really hit home that pollution can hurt our most vulnerable citizens, our children," said Benfield. "For the past 20 years, GreenLaw has been a leader in protecting Georgians from pollution, and I am excited to be able to focus my attention on cleaning up our air and water for our families."

Benfield has served on the House Banks and Banking, Judiciary and Natural Resources committees. She'll finish her current legislative term before starting her new job.