By: Pita Juarez, Arizona Field Organizer, Moms Clean Air Force
Date: July 10, 2025
About: Environmental Protection Agency Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2018-0794-6978
To: Environmental Protection Agency
Good morning, and thank you for the opportunity to speak today. My name is Pita Juarez. I live in Phoenix, Arizona. I’m an aunt to 10 nieces and nephews, and I serve as the Arizona Field Organizer for Moms Clean Air Force—a national community of more than 1.5 million parents united to protect our children from the dangers of air pollution and the growing threat of climate change. I am here today not just as an advocate, but as a person making a plea—for action, for leadership, and for accountability.
Moms Clean Air Force has been advocating for strong mercury protections for over a decade. We strongly oppose EPA’s proposal to repeal recent updates to the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards—we know there is no safe level of mercury. When I think about my one-year-old nephew and how dangerous these toxins are to his developing brain, it makes me furious. He is simply living his life, yet he can’t escape an environment polluted by corporations that prioritize profit over his future. We know these toxins can lead to developmental delays, learning disabilities, behavioral issues, and even serious cardiovascular problems, including increased risk of heart attacks. Public health, especially when it comes to children, should be a basic human right. No child or parent should have to worry about that. Yet this administration continues to favor polluters over people, especially over our children. Once again, I strongly oppose efforts to weaken the recently updated Mercury and Air Toxics Standards.
Thank you.