By: Ashley Hillard, North Carolina Field Organizer, Moms Clean Air Force
Date: July 8, 2025
About: Environmental Protection Agency Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2025-0124-0001
To: Environmental Protection Agency
Hello, my name is Ashley Hillard, and I live in Durham, North Carolina. Thank you for the opportunity to testify.
I am the North Carolina field organizer for Moms Clean Air Force, with over 76,000 members in the state. I’m here today to urge the EPA to protect the Carbon Rule, which protects the health of our communities and offers a better future for children.
The greenhouse gases released when we use fossil fuels contribute to climate change, heating the planet and increasing the intensity of disasters like hurricanes. North Carolina is still recovering from Hurricane Helene and climate change is also fueling sea level rise, threatening the Outer Banks.
Fossil fuel power plants are responsible for about 25 percent of the climate pollution generated in the US, as well as millions of tons of other air pollutants, including soot and smog-forming nitrogen oxides, also known as NOx. Exposing communities to this pollution increases the likelihood of respiratory and heat related illnesses, and infectious diseases.
Another consideration is where power plants are located. The National Tribal Air Association (NTAA) estimates that 200 methane and/or coal power plants are within 50 miles of tribal lands. Living near power plants exposes people to higher levels of air pollution and increases the likelihood of associated health issues. In North Carolina, Duke Energy is working on putting a gas plant near an elementary school, which will impact over 200 students and staff.
Children are disproportionately harmed by climate change. Today’s children will live through at least 3 times as many climate disasters as their grandparents, and future generations will live with the consequences of the climate decisions we make today.
The Carbon Rule provides protection from the impacts of greenhouse gases and other pollutants released from power plants, safeguarding communities and ensuring a healthier planet for all. The United States should lead on these issues, it is possible to achieve energy and economic goals without enabling polluters.
All families deserve an opportunity to have a healthy future with clean air. Please protect the Carbon Rule, protect air quality, and ensure there is a livable planet into the future.
Thank you.