The national Air and Waste Management Association (A&WMA) recently honored David J. Shaw, director of the state Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Division of Air Resources, for his distinguished service and achievements in reducing air pollution and protecting public health and welfare, DEC Commissioner Joe Martens announced. Shaw received the A&WMA’s 2015 S. Smith Griswold Outstanding Air Pollution Control Official Award at the organization’s annual meeting on June 24.

“Dave Shaw has achieved many professional accomplishments in his career, reflecting his unwavering commitment to creating a cleaner and healthier environment,” Commissioner Martens said. “Dave is able to balance the highly technical aspects of air regulation with the ability to collaborate with numerous stakeholders to protect and improve air quality. This honor is well-deserved recognition for a person who truly embodies the highest qualities of leadership, innovative thinking and public service.”

Shaw joined DEC in June 1979 as a special assistant to the Commissioner. He started in DEC’s Division of Air Resources in 1984, and was named the Director of DEC’s Division of Air Resources in April 2003.

Shaw played a leading role in many important accomplishments, including:

• continually improving New York’s air quality, including attainment of National Ambient Air Quality Standards for particulate matter, carbon monoxide and other pollutants;
• developing and implementing innovative approaches to reduce mercury pollution and acid rain, leading to stronger federal requirements that protect public health and the environment, including forest lands, waterbodies, and fish and wildlife in New York that were severely threatened by acid rain deposition;
• New York’s leadership in creating the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) to combat global climate change;
• air monitoring in Lower Manhattan following the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center; and
• the state’s adoption and implementation of clean vehicle strategies, including California’s Low Emissions Vehicle program and a multistate agreement to support electric vehicles;

Shaw is also an expert on the federal Clean Air Act, dating back to his work analyzing and developing recommendations during congressional debate on Clean Air Act amendments in 1990. He served as New York’s representative to the National Association of Clean Air Agencies and as the organization’s president from 2011 through 2013.

Throughout his career in the Division of Air Resources, Dave established productive working relationships with federal, state and regional partners and stakeholders. He is also a well-liked, effective manager and active mentor to DEC air staff.

Shaw earned a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York, College at Geneseo, and a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard University.