It has been over a week since more than 40 Moms staff and volunteers testified at EPA’s virtual public hearing against a reckless and dangerous proposal to rescind the Endangerment Finding, the foundation of EPA’s ability to regulate the emissions that cause global warming. We are still feeling so moved by the personal stories and perspectives we heard. Over the course of four days, 617 people showed up to oppose EPA’s proposal and only 20 were in support.
Tell Administrator Zeldin: Cutting Climate Pollution Is Essential for Our Families’ Health
Each of our stories moved the EPA panel, but one stood out: Hazel Chandler’s. Hazel, a mom, grandmother of six, and great grandmother of three, is no stranger to giving testimony at EPA hearings. She is a lifelong activist, working for nearly 60 years on public health and environmental issues, including as a founding member of Elders Climate Action and most recently as Moms’ Arizona Field Organizer. But this hearing was different for her: “I have testified at more hearings than I can remember,” she shared. “This may be my last but not by my choice. After decades living between three major highways in the thick of Phoenix’s air pollution, I am now receiving hospice care due to stage 4 cancer.”
That Hazel, even in hospice, stood up to strongly oppose rescinding the Endangerment Finding doesn’t surprise anyone who has had the good fortune to know her. But still, we are all in awe. This is what she told EPA:
The air quality and extreme heat have made it impossible for me to remain in Phoenix.
I am appalled that in 60 years we’ve made such little progress on the climate crisis. And I am even more appalled to see this administration rolling back progress I have spent my career fighting for. I’m here today to strongly oppose rescinding the Endangerment Finding.
The choices this administration makes have direct consequences on people like me and on our children and grandchildren. While I’m at the end of my life and won’t be seeing how this turns out, legacy matters. I want my great grandchildren to be proud to know I fought to protect their health and well-being and worked to leave a livable planet for their grandchildren’s children.
Do not trade their future for the interests of corporate polluters.
It’s time to have the courage to stand up for what is right. Maintain the Endangerment Finding and be someone your great grandchildren can be proud of too.
Now is the time for us to act like Hazel and to summon our courage to stand up for what is right and maintain the Endangerment Finding. Join Moms today in telling EPA to do its job.
Tell Administrator Zeldin: Cutting Climate Pollution Is Essential for Our Families’ Health