COLUMBIA, S.C. – Robert W. (Bob) King, Jr., deputy commissioner for Environmental Quality Control, received the 2009 American Council of Engineering Companies of S.C. (ACEC-SC) Public Service Award recently for his long record of state, regional and national service in the environmental field, the state Department of Health and Environmental Control reported today.
King was cited by the ACEC-SC for his many accomplishments in the field of environmental stewardship, leadership skills and as a ‘big-picture’ thinker who is receptive to new ideas. King was also credited as one of the state’s biggest champions, with a focus on protecting and enhancing South Carolina’s environment to benefit its citizens.
“This is a singular honor to be recognized by his peers,” said Earl Hunter, DHEC’s commissioner. “He has been dedicated to environmental stewardship throughout his distinguished career. This award affirms that dedication and service.”
King began his career with the state’s Pollution Control Authority, which merged with the State Board of Health in 1973 to form DHEC. He was named deputy commissioner for Environmental Quality Control in 2004.
King is active in national and regional environmental issues and serves on the Environmental Council of the States, an association of state environmental commissioners, where he has been the organization’s president. He is co-chair of the Southeast Regional Partnership for Planning and Sustainability, a group of state environmental and natural resource agencies that partner with the U.S. Department of Defense and other federal agencies to prevent encroachment around military lands and encourage compatible environmental resources. He has testified before the U.S. Congress on environmental issues.