Moms gathered staff, organizers, and members from across the country this week in Washington, DC, for our 2024 Play-In for Climate Action, an annual Moms Clean Air Force tradition that brings together families for a day of fun and advocacy. Inspired by the concept of a “sit-in,” Moms Clean Air Force coined the term “play-in” because kids don’t sit—they play!
The day started off at the National Children’s Museum, where kids explored and adults watched a press conference.
Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-4) announced the introduction of a resolution recognizing the threat of extreme weather to children’s health and well-being. Over the past year, Moms Clean Air Force has worked closely with the Congresswoman’s office to develop this resolution, which calls for adaptations to extreme weather that address the needs and unique vulnerabilities of young people.
Tell the House of Representatives: Protect Our Children From Extreme Weather
Congresswoman McClellan told the audience:
“Our youth face particular vulnerabilities to the impacts of our worsening climate crisis, which jeopardize their physical, psychological, and emotional well-being. This morning, I introduced a resolution to acknowledge these realities and underscore the pressing need for Congress to take action to protect our children. I stand with Moms Clean Air Force and millions of parents across the nation to demand climate action now. We cannot stand idly by and allow the climate crisis to go unchecked—our children’s future depends on it.”
Senator Jeff Merkley (OR) took the podium next, saying:
“Enough is enough—our children and our grandchildren deserve to grow up with clean air and in a stable environment. We are in trouble and we need to act, and this is why harnessing the power of 1.5 million moms and dads working together is just so important. The power of your stories makes a difference, and I look forward to seeing your red shirts all over the Capitol to advocate for a better future and telling Congress that we have a challenge and action is needed now.”
The Senator’s speech centered on the dangers of plastic and petrochemical pollution, setting the stage for Heather McTeer Toney, Executive Director of Beyond Petrochemicals, who called petrochemicals a “triple threat—a threat to our environment, a threat to our climate progress, and a threat to public health.”
The press conferences also featured Erika Janes, Editor-In-Chief of SheKnows, and Eva Lighthiser, one of the 16 Held v. Montana youth plaintiffs who are suing their home state for violating their right to a “clean and healthful environment.”
Speakers at the 2024 Play-In for Climate Action (left to right): Erika Janes, Eva Lighthiser, Dominique Browning, Hazel Chandler, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan, Leena of Kids Clean Air Force, Isabel González Whitaker, Heather McTeer Toney, and Senator Jeff Merkley.
Dominique Browning read a letter from Vice President Kamala Harris, who wrote:
“President Biden and I stand united with you in our efforts to combat the detrimental effects of the climate crisis. With your support, we have delivered on the most ambitious climate agenda in history, which safeguards the health of our communities and ensures our country leads the clean energy future.”
Watch the full press conference here.
Later that day, Moms took an electric school bus to Capitol Hill, where they met with nearly 40 legislative offices and asked their elected leaders to support Congresswoman McClellan’s resolution and two bills that would protect families from plastic and petrochemical pollution.
We’ve been telling Washington to “Listen to your mothers!” since 2011, and we’re ready to keep up the drumbeat until every child has access to clean air and livable climate. Join us!
Tell the House of Representatives: Protect Our Children From Extreme Weather