Contact: Sasha Tenenbaum, stenenbaum@momscleanairforce.org, 917-887-0146
Washington, DC – Today, President Biden is expected to sign executive orders and presidential memorandums focused on environmental justice and climate change. These actions demonstrate the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to ambitious action to address the climate emergency and end racial injustice while rebuilding the economy in a safe and equitable manner.
In response to these actions, Dominique Browning, Co-Founder and Director for Moms Clean Air Force, issued the following statement:
“Today, President Biden will do what no other leader has been able or willing to do: He will formally recognize that climate change threatens public health, national security, and our economy, and will order that the whole of government work to solve it. This groundbreaking and innovative approach means that our children and grandchildren can look forward to a healthier, more stable future. That’s because solving this crisis—with equity as a top priority—will confer massive benefits to our families and communities, grow our economy, secure global stability, and protect our health.
“Today, moms are also celebrating the restoration of scientific integrity and scientific advice as the foundation of climate action from our leaders. This comes after four years of the systematic undermining of scientific expertise in government. This is a welcome and much-needed course correction.
“Moms have been fighting for this kind of action for 10 years. And we will continue to fight to make sure that today’s Executive Orders lead to ambitious, transformative, concrete solutions to the climate crisis that clean up the air and protect our children’s health and future.”
In response to the administration’s focus on environmental justice, Tonya Howard Calhoun, National Field Manager for Moms Clean Air Force, issued the following statement:
“Black and brown Americans and low-income communities are on the front lines of the climate crisis, disproportionately suffering from air pollution, extreme weather, and heat waves. Today’s executive orders will ensure not only that these frontline communities have a formal voice in shaping climate policy, but also that these communities reap the benefits of cleaner, more resilient energy and transportation systems. That’s a welcome change, and a long time coming.
“Moms are especially enthusiastic about Biden’s commitment to invest 40% of all clean energy and climate funding into frontline communities. This tangible, specific commitment will help clean up those places that need it the most and help propel economic growth for the people who need it the most. This is an important step toward achieving long overdue climate and environmental justice.
“Today’s executive orders will move us closer toward addressing the twin crises of climate change and racial justice. Moms Clean Air Force is encouraged by these actions, and we are eager to see these actions bolstered by ambitious regulatory initiatives across multiple federal agencies to secure clean air and a stable climate for all of our children.”