Washington, DC – Hundreds of children and teens participating in an array of fun and dynamic sports, crafts, and other activities conjures up a typical summer camp day. But for the youth who gathered for the Moms Clean Air Force Play-In for Climate Action at the National Children’s Museum today, it was anything but typical. Indeed, the program served to enable the organization to amplify its critically-important “mompartisan” message: moms, dads, grandparents, and families are deeply concerned about climate change and plastic pollution, and are calling on our nation’s leaders to take the action steps necessary to protect children’s health by mitigating the negative – and potentially deadly – impacts of air pollution, soot, and other extreme weather-related problems.
To that end, this year’s Play-In served also to celebrate the introduction of a Congressional resolution by U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan (D-VA) recognizing the threat of extreme weather to children’s health and well-being, and expressing to Congress that solutions must be rapidly and equitably developed and deployed to address the unique vulnerabilities and needs of children.
Dominique Browning, Director & Co-Founder of Moms Clean Air Force, the national organization of more than 1.5 million moms, dads, and caregivers dedicated to forging a safe, stable and equitable future in which all children can breathe clean air, said: “Climate disruption is here and extreme weather events are only going to become more frequent —and more dangerous. We are indebted to Representative McClellan for her leadership in protecting our children. We must consider children’s unique vulnerabilities as we create and fund adaptations to extreme weather. Moms Clean Air Force will continue our fight against climate and air pollution. But now we must also adapt to the damage done.”
“Climate changes exacerbate extreme weather events. Over the past month, multiple severe heat waves have swept across Virginia, posing serious threats to our children,” said Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan. “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.”
An official letter provided by Vice President Kamala Harris was read at the event. It highlighted Moms Clean Air Force’s consistent advocacy for environmental justice and dedication to fighting climate change. The letter stated, “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. It was wonderful to join you in 2022 to celebrate our Administration’s investment in clean school buses. Earlier this year, we continued to work by investing nearly $900 million for school districts to buy over 3,400 clean buses for that more of our children can breathe clean air.”
In addition to Browning and McClellan, speakers included U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR); Executive Director of’ Beyond Petrochemicals, Heather McTeer Toney; and teen activist Eva Lighthiser who was introduced by Erika Janes, editor-in-chief of She Knows. Lighthiser is one of 16 youth and teens who, in a first-of-its-kind lawsuit, sued their home state of Montana to ensure that its Environmental Policy Act must ask state agencies to consider climate impacts when conducting environmental reviews, in consideration of how environmental change affects future generations. In the historic case, called Held v. Montana, the Montana District Court ruled last year in favor of the plaintiffs. The state has appealed and the Montana Supreme Court is currently hearing that appeal.
After highlighting the incredible ruling of Held v. Montana, Lighthiser told those in attendance that, “We are just the latest in the long line of people that care about Montana’s climate. The best way to get something started is by simply having a conversation – speak up, hold people accountable. There is more to do.”
While children played in the background, Senator Jeff Merkley in his remarks said, “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.”
McTeer Toney said, “We must do something to ensure the future of our children and public health, especially protecting children of color who are some of the most vulnerable to the effects of petrochemicals. Petrochemicals are a triple threat – a threat to our environment, a threat to our climate progress, and a threat to public health. The fear is real, and we want to ensure that we are trusting the science regarding what should and should not go into products that children use. We have a responsibility to act, ensuring that lawmakers understand the power of a mother.”
Leena Lazo, an 11-year old from Simsbury, CT who has introduced EPA Administrator Regan at past events and has advocated for clean air on the Hill, shared, “Dirty air causes kids to have asthma attacks and parents stress because they want their children to be able to play outside in a healthy environment. I find it inspiring that people are fighting air pollution and are working to help make the air cleaner for all.”
Spinning off the concept of a ‘sit-in’, Moms Clean Air Force coined the ‘play-in’ – an inclusive demonstration of “protest” promoting the involvement and active participation of both children and their families in fun and dynamic climate-related activities and climate-conscious advocacy. Following the event, children and families went to Capitol Hill to meet with members of Congress and their staffs to further call attention to the Moms Clean Air Force mission.
Photos from the Play-In for Climate Action and clips of speeches by the above speakers can be found here. The press conference was live streamed and the recording is available here.