Each month, we highlight a new Supermom of the Month, a volunteer who has gone above and beyond to advocate for clean air and children’s health.
This month, we are celebrating Emily Petrucci. Emily was nominated by Pennsylvania Field Organizer Vanessa Lynch.
Emily has been involved with Moms in Pennsylvania since the early days of the COVID pandemic. She is always willing and able to participate. When we were confined to our homes, she wrote letters to the editor about Pennsylvania’s methane rule and other important issues. She’s given virtual testimony before EPA about methane, mercury, soot pollution, and the Clean Power Plant rule and before the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) about methane and the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Once we were able to meet in person again she joined us for events in Philadelphia. And in the fall of 2022, she recruited several friends to support our Get Out the Vote postcard-writing campaign. Emily has remained committed to Moms’ mission at a time when being a remote volunteer was hard for many.
We asked Emily a few questions about her motivation and activism:
Why did you join Moms Clean Air Force?
Having an awareness of what’s happening to our earth as a result of global warming left me very uneasy. The reality of climate change first hit home for me around 2006, when I saw the documentary An Inconvenient Truth. Joining the network of advocates at Moms Clean Air Force has allowed me to channel my desire to contribute to the fight against climate change, elevate the issue in my community, and connect with a dependable source of information regarding climate science.
What role do you think moms and caregivers can play in addressing environmental challenges?
Mothers, fathers, and caregivers have a deep investment in this fight. This is not a far-off fight. We are working hard so that children growing up right now will have a livable planet. Parents and caregivers can play a powerful role by making their voices heard loud and clear. We can support businesses that are making serious efforts to reduce their carbon footprint. We can replace our cars with all-electric or hybrid models when it’s time for a new vehicle. We can make smarter, energy-saving choices when a home appliance needs replacing. We can talk to friends and neighbors about how important this issue is. We can exercise our power at the ballot box to elect leaders who regard climate change as a top priority. Simply put, we can try our best to effect change in our own homes and our own communities.
How do you balance your advocacy work with being a busy mom?
When there is an opportunity to pitch in, I try very hard to say yes. Every mother, father, and caregiver can make a difference by pitching in, in ways big and small. Having conversations with family and friends about how important this issue is, contributing to Moms Clean Air Force as a volunteer, educating ourselves about candidates and their views about environmental issues are all ways we can help. Every action, no matter how small, contributes. I want my children to see me fighting for a livable planet.
What advice would you give to other caregivers who want to get involved in environmental activism?
Every voice matters. Join Moms Clean Air Force. Learn about events and opportunities in your area. Meet and connect with like-minded parents and friends. I’ll say it again: your voice matters. Join us!
TELL PRESIDENT BIDEN & EPA: MOVE QUICKLY TO FINALIZE STRONG POLLUTION PROTECTIONS