
In 2023, the world faced unprecedented climate challenges—relentless Canadian wildfires, dangerous heat, and a staggering rise in extreme weather events. Still, opportunities came in the form of an unprecedented slew of proposed EPA clean air protections. Moms’ members across the country played a crucial role in advocating for stronger air pollution rules, testifying before EPA more than 300 times and submitting tens of thousands of public comments.
Many caregivers turned to us this year for practical, everyday guidance. Education is a cornerstone of Moms’ mission, and fact sheets are our primary tool for sharing crucial information with communities, lawmakers, and the press. Here are our most-read fact sheets of 2023:
1. Wildfires & Your Health
This summer, millions of people across North America were hit with unprecedented wildfire smoke from Canadian fires. Readers turned to Moms to learn how to stay safe when faced with hazardous levels of smoke. This fact sheet shares how wildfire smoke affects health and offers tips for staying safe.
2. Particle Pollution & Your Health
Moms are calling on the White House and EPA to finalize strong soot protections and the work is not yet done! Also known as particle pollution, or PM 2.5, soot was a critical topic in 2023 as one of the leading causes of premature death worldwide. This fact sheet explains what makes particle pollution so harmful and details the standards Moms believe are necessary to protect our families and communities from soot pollution. Join Moms in urging the finalization of soot protections.
3. Reasons to Roll With Electric School Buses
Moms are getting the word out about the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program by ensuring school districts around the country know about this funding opportunity. Electric school buses will save millions of kids from exposure to dirty diesel bus exhaust, a known human carcinogen that can also trigger asthma attacks and interfere with learning. This resource outlines all the benefits of electric school buses and how you can get involved.
4. Vinyl Chloride 101
In February 2023, a 150-car train carrying hazardous materials derailed in East Palestine, Ohio. The derailment caused a chemical explosion and dayslong fire, as well as a subsequent “controlled release” of known carcinogens, including vinyl chloride. As the country turned its attention to this colorless gas linked to many types of cancer, readers turned to Moms to get the facts.
5. “Chemical Recycling” 101
Plastics lobbyists with the American Chemistry Council are trying to rebrand a method of plastic incineration as “recycling” to evade Clean Air Act regulations. Moms fought back through its Moms & Mayors program and by meeting with Congressmembers to explain that “chemical recycling” is not recycling. This fact sheet details the health harms and environmental justice impacts of chemical recycling. Take a look at this short video for a snapshot of the risks.
As 2023 draws to a close and our sights are set on the new year, Moms Clean Air Force hopes to remain your go-to source for data-driven and easy-to-read air pollution information.
TELL PRESIDENT BIDEN & EPA: FINALIZE STRONG SOOT PROTECTIONS NOW