Longtime state legislator Rep. Camille "Bud" George, D-Houtzdale, who represented parts of Centre County throughout his nearly four decades in office, announced Friday he will retire at the end of 2012.

George represents the 74th District, which covers Clearfield County. With district lines redrawn after each 10-year census, the district has sometimes extending into northwest Centre County. After the 2010 census, the plan showed George's district extending into the Snow Shoe area. However, earlier this week, the state Supreme Court threw out the plan, so changes are unclear.

George, 84, said he is leaving office "for a variety of reasons" and looks forward to spending time with his wife, Edna, in the Houtzdale home he built with his father and brother.

Known for being blunt on the House floor, George talks the most about being there for the people in his district. Over the years he helped bring to his district the Walmart Distribution Center, Clearfield Campus of Lock Haven University, state prison in Houtzdale, and many water projects.

The environment was his top issue and he is chairman of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.