Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-09-21

HONORING THE SERVICE OF ALAN ABBS

EnvironmentTradeInfrastructure

Context

On 2026-09-21, Representative Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA-10) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE SERVICE OF ALAN ABBS" in the House.

Full Text

HONORING THE SERVICE OF ALAN ABBS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 149 (Monday, September 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 149 (Monday, September 21, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E956] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE SERVICE OF ALAN ABBS ______ HON. MARK DeSAULNIER of california in the house of representatives Monday, September 21, 2026 Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleagues Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, Congressman Jared Huffman, and Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren to recognize the service of Alan Abbs upon his retirement from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. Alan has worked throughout his career to improve air quality and public health in California. As the Legislative Officer for the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, Alan has been a strong advocate for strengthened air quality policies and investments to improve the health of our community. Throughout his career, Alan has shown his steadfast commitment to service and has worked tirelessly to strengthen California's existing environmental laws and advocate for critical new programs. Prior to joining the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, Alan served as an officer in the U.S. Navy, Executive Director of the California Air Pollution Control Officers Association, and as an Air Pollution Control Officer for multiple counties. He helped lead the charge to establish the Wildfire Smoke Clean Air Centers for the Vulnerable Populations Incentive Pilot Program, providing funding to retrofit public ventilation systems and other infrastructure to prepare for smoke events. Alan also worked on behalf of the Bay Area Air District to strengthen statewide statutory penalties for air quality violations, culminating in legislation that provides additional incentives for groups that prioritize safety and public health. Beyond his work to advance air quality protections, Alan has been a strong supporter of other environmental policies. He supported the expansion of the Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies Program, which protected marine life and promoted sustainable shipping along the California coast. Alan championed pollution reduction efforts at the federal level, as well. He testified before the House Science Committee on the importance of reducing auto emissions, utilizing his expertise to provide a framework for federal legislation. He was also a fierce advocate for the Clean Corridors Act, a bill I introduced that led to important funding for cleaner fueling and charging infrastructure across the Nation. Beyond his professional achievements, Alan is also an accomplished runner, regularly running 50- and 100-mile races alongside his wife, Beverly. He is also a long-suffering Detroit Tigers baseball fan. Alan's leadership has been integral to preserving clean air in California and beyond. Please join us in honoring Alan for his outstanding leadership and congratulating him on his well-deserved retirement. ____________________

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HONORING THE SERVICE OF ALAN ABBS Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 149 (Monday, September 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 149 (Monday, September 21, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E956] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE SERVICE OF ALAN ABBS ______ HON. MARK DeSAULNIER of california in the house of representatives Monday, September 21, 2026 Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleagues Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, Congressman Jared Huffman, and Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren to recognize the service of Alan Abbs upon his retirement from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. Alan has worked throughout his career to improve air quality and public health in California. As the Legislative Officer for the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, Alan has been a strong advocate for strengthened air quality policies and investments to improve the health of our community. Throughout his career, Alan has shown his steadfast commitment to service and has worked tirelessly to strengthen California's existing environmental laws and advocate for critical new programs. Prior to joining the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, Alan served as an officer in the U.S. Navy, Executive Director of the California Air Pollution Control Officers Association, and as an Air Pollution Control Officer for multiple counties. He helped lead the charge to establish the Wildfire Smoke Clean Air Centers for the Vulnerable Populations Incentive Pilot Program, providing funding to retrofit public ventilation systems and other infrastructure to prepare for smoke events. Alan also worked on behalf of the Bay Area Air District to strengthen statewide statutory penalties for air quality violations, culminating in legislation that provides additional incentives for groups that prioritize safety and public health. Beyond his work to advance air quality protections, Alan has been a strong supporter of other environmental policies. He supported the expansion of the Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies Program, which protected marine life and promoted sustainable shipping along the California coast. Alan championed pollution reduction efforts at the federal level, as well. He testified before the House Science Committee on the importance of reducing auto emissions, utilizing his expertise to provide a framework for federal legislation. He was also a fierce advocate for the Clean Corridors Act, a bill I introduced that led to important funding for cleaner fueling and charging infrastructure across the Nation. Beyond his professional achievements, Alan is also an accomplished runner, regularly running 50- and 100-mile races alongside his wife, Beverly. He is also a long-suffering Detroit Tigers baseball fan. Alan's leadership has been integral to preserving clean air in California and beyond. Please join us in honoring Alan for his outstanding leadership and congratulating him on his well-deserved retirement. ____________________