Colorado

Colorado moms join members of Moms Clean Air Force across the country to demand stronger protections for soot pollution.

In February 2023, more than 60 Moms Clean Air Force staff and members, representing 18 states and DC, testified before EPA at a hearing on proposed federal standards for soot pollution. EPA’s soot proposal doesn’t go far enough to protect our children and communities from avoidable harms. Soot pollution is extremely dangerous and no amount of it is safe for us to breathe.

Moms Clean Air Force Colorado coordinators Shaina Oliver and Laurie Anderson and six volunteers from across the state offered testimony.

In her comments, Shaina shared how soot pollution from heavy industry has compromised her health:

On the Navajo reservation, coal plants, oil and gas drilling, and uranium mines are our neighbors. Like other children on the reservation, I was born prematurely, at low-birth weight, and as an infant, I was diagnosed with asthma and struggled to breathe when the air quality was poor. Indigenous people have higher rates of asthma, diabetes, high-blood pressure, heart disease, cancers, mental illness, adverse birth outcomes, and premature deaths than the general population.

Read Shaina’s testimony here. Read Laurie’s testimony here.

Colorado moms join Moms Clean Air Force members across the country to urge EPA to finalize strong methane standards that protect children’s health.

On January 10, 11, and 12, 2023, more than 60 Moms Clean Air Force staff and members from 21 states and Washington, DC, spoke out at EPA’s virtual public hearing about its updated proposal to cut methane and other harmful pollutants from new and existing oil and gas operations. The updated proposal from EPA would reduce methane pollution from sources covered by the rule by 87% below 2005 levels. It would also strengthen leak detection and repair requirements, continue to require equipment not to emit methane, address high-emission incidents with a new monitoring response program, and require that abandoned wells are subject to inspections until they are closed.

At the hearing, Moms applauded the updated rule but called on EPA to make it even stronger by fully eliminating pollution from routine flaring and ensuring frontline communities have the tools they need to hold polluters accountable.

Moms Clean Air Force Colorado coordinators Laurie Anderson and Shaina Oliver, two Supermoms, and Kids Clean Air Force member Rosemarie Anderson offered testimony.

Moms Clean Air Force helps shine a light on how the climate crisis impacts Indigenous and Tribal communities.

Climate change threatens the health of Indigenous and Tribal communities across the country. Rising seas are forcing some of these communities to relocate farther inland. Extreme heat and drought are eroding Indigenous culture and tradition. Warmer air is fueling the creation of harmful ozone pollution that can trigger asthma attacks and increase the risk of lung infection.

On June 21, 2022, Moms Clean Air Force hosted a panel discussion about the impacts of air pollution and climate change on the health of Indigenous and Tribal communities. Panelists included Shaina Oliver, Díné/Navajo, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado coordinator; Dr. Lori Byron, pediatrician and organizer for the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Chapter Climate Advocates; and Caleb Minthorn, Umatilla Tribes, National Tribal Air Association, Region 10 Alternate. The conversation was moderated by Almeta E. Cooper, Moms Clean Air Force National Manager for Health Equity.

Colorado moms join Moms Clean Air Force members across the country to support strong standards for tailpipe pollution from trucks.

On April 12, 13, and 14, dozens of Moms Clean Air Force staff and members from 18 states and Washington, DC, spoke out at EPA’s virtual public hearing about its proposal to clean up tailpipe pollution from heavy-duty trucks and buses. EPA’s trucks proposal is a welcome step forward but doesn’t go far enough. At the hearing, moms asked EPA to further strengthen the standards for heavy-duty vehicle pollution, to better protect children, people with asthma, older adults, and other vulnerable groups from the health harms of air pollution.

Moms Clean Air Force Colorado coordinators Laurie Anderson and Shaina Oliver, as well as a member from Evergreen, offered testimony. In her comments, Laurie spoke about the impacts of climate change in her community:

“I live near the devastating December Marshall wildfire, which destroyed more than 1,000 homes and has become a sobering example of how climate change is impacting our communities.” –Laurie Anderson

Colorado moms join Governor Polis and General Assembly members to announce a transformational package of climate bills.

On March 31, 2022, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado coordinator Shaina Oliver joined Governor Jared Polis and members of the Colorado General Assembly for a press conference outlining the Governor’s bold plans to improve Colorado’s air quality by unveiling a package of environmental bills. The package includes transformational investments that build on the state’s ambitious goals to reduce toxic pollution and greenhouse gas emissions through clean transportation, building efficiency, housing, and land use policies, as well as air quality monitoring, regulation, and incentives.

In her remarks at the press conference, Shaina focused on the need for bold action to draw down air pollution and fight climate change:

“The legislation proposed today is a great step in the right direction, but it must only be one of many steps toward clean air and a livable climate for our families. Together, we must take bold action to achieve the significant pollution reductions as intended by the Clean Air Act. Reducing pollution will help protect us from climate change and create cleaner air for communities that desperately need it. The next seven generations are depending on our strength today.”

Moms will continue to work with our legislators through the 2022 legislative session to ensure this package is passed in full.

Colorado moms join Moms Clean Air Force members across the country at a virtual EPA hearing to support restoring the legal foundation of the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards.

On February 24, 2022, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado joined dozens of Moms Clean Air Force staff and volunteers from 15 states and DC to deliver testimony at EPA’s public hearing on its proposal to restore the appropriate and necessary finding of the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards. The mercury standards, finalized in 2012, are a public health necessity. They protect communities across the country from mercury and other harmful air pollution from power plants.

Moms Clean Air Force Colorado coordinators Laurie Anderson and Shaina Oliver offered testimony. In her comments, Laurie talked about growing up fishing with her dad in Minnesota:

“One of my dad’s favorite things was to canoe up into the backwaters as far as we could and then just relax and fish all day. However, I learned at an early age about the mercury contamination in our lakes and which fish weren’t safe to eat. Following a successful day of fishing, there was often the uncomfortable discussion where my mom would say the fish wasn’t safe to eat for our young bodies.”

Read Laurie’s full testimony HERE.

Colorado passes nation-leading oil and gas methane rules.

On December 17, 2021, Colorado’s Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) unanimously passed new nation-leading rules that will reduce climate-polluting methane and help meet Colorado’s statutory requirement to cut its greenhouse gas emissions 26% by 2025, 50% by 2030, and 90% by 2050. These new rules include the nation’s strongest leak detection and repair program, a prohibition on venting during maintenance activities, and even more frequent inspections for well sites in disproportionately impacted communities and at well sites that are less than 1,000 feet from residential communities. The Colorado rules set an important benchmark for EPA to consider as it seeks to strengthen emissions standards for new wells and to enact comprehensive protections for existing sites across the nation.

Colorado moms were instrumental in getting this state rulemaking passed. We gave public comment at every opportunity and helped to spread information about oil and gas pollution to impacted communities. We will continue to push the AQCC to lead with bold oil and gas regulations as they turn their attention to reporting and verification methods, strengthening current rules around pneumatic device replacement, and ensuring environmental justice is achieved.

Colorado moms join Moms Clean Air Force members across the country to tell EPA to finalize strong methane regulations.

Moms Clean Air Force Colorado joined 38 Moms Clean Air Force staff and volunteers from 13 states and DC to deliver testimony at EPA’s 3-day public hearing about the proposed rule to cut methane and other harmful air pollutants from new and existing oil and gas operations in November and December 2021.

Methane is the main component of natural gas and a potent greenhouse gas accelerating climate change. Quickly and significantly reducing methane is one of the best levers we have to slow the rate of climate change and help clean up the air. If finalized, EPA’s proposed rule would establish the first national standards limiting methane pollution from the nation’s nearly one million existing oil and gas operations.

Moms Clean Air Force Colorado organizers Laurie Anderson and Shaina Oliver and Supermom Rosemarie Anderson offered testimony.

Colorado moms join Moms Clean Air Force members across the country to tell EPA to set strong near-term standards for climate pollution from cars.

In August 2021, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado joined more than 30 Moms Clean Air Force staff and volunteers from 13 states and DC to deliver testimony at EPA’s public hearing about strengthening near-term greenhouse gas emissions standards for cars and light trucks.

Transportation is the largest source of climate pollution in the US, making up 29% of all carbon dioxide pollution. Cars and light trucks account for 58% of all transportation-related climate pollution, and 17% of total US climate pollution. The EPA’s proposal to cut climate pollution from cars in the near terms seeks to repair years of backsliding from the auto industry. Moms spoke out in favor of acting with urgency to accelerate the transition to zero-pollution vehicles.

Moms Clean Air Force Colorado organizers Shaina Oliver and Laurie Anderson and Supermom Deb Bjork offered testimony.

“President Biden has promised to address climate change and fight for environmental justice. By acting swiftly on clean cars, the administration has taken an important first step in tackling climate pollution from transportation. The American Lung Association’s State of the Air Report for Colorado just gave us an “F” for ozone pollution, so we cannot stand by and lose another opportunity to strengthen a path to 100% zero-emissions new vehicles sales by 2035.” —Shaina Oliver, Colorado field organizer

“A few years ago, recognizing the benefit of leading by example, I switched to an EV in an effort to reduce my own pollution. I purchased my Nissan Leaf understanding that this would be a change, but I have never regretted that decision. Our communities are ready to embrace the change to EVs and cleaner vehicles.” —Laurie Anderson, Colorado field organizer

Let’s Get Rolling Electric Bus Tour arrives in Denver.

On August 19, 2021, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado hosted an electric school bus demonstration at Sunken Gardens Park in Denver. The event was part of a nationwide push to upgrade old school and transit buses with better technology to reduce our families’ exposure to harmful diesel exhaust and climate pollution.

Transportation is the largest source of global warming pollution in our country, which makes electrification of buses, cars, and trucks critical to solving the climate crisis. Electrifying our nation’s bus fleets will also clean up the air for everyone inside the bus, where harmful fumes may be concentrated higher than outside the bus.

School bus manufacturer Blue Bird provided an electric bus for the demonstration and gave tours of the inside and outside of the bus. Colorado Attorney General Philip J. Weiser, the Denver Office of Climate Action, Sustainability, and Resiliency’s Grace Rink, Blue Bird’s Jeff Koza, and GreenLatinos’ Ean Tafoya joined Moms Clean Air Force Colorado organizers Shaina Oliver and Laurie Anderson for the event.

Colorado moms applaud passage of a bill to monitor toxic air pollution near industrial facilities.

In June 2021, Governor Polis signed into law a bill that would require air monitoring of air toxins emitted by industrial facilities—including hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen sulfide, and benzene. The bill requires facilities that emit these harmful air pollutants to conduct real-time “fenceline” monitoring of their pollution, release the data on a publicly accessible website, and improve their communication with nearby communities. This policy is particularly important for communities like those surrounding the Suncor refinery, one of the largest polluters in the state.

Colorado moms fought for this bill from the moment it was introduced. Its passage represents a historic effort by the state to bring transparency to corporate reporting on air quality for disproportionately impacted communities. Latino, Black, Indigenous, low-income, and rural communities are more likely to be burdened with air pollution from industrial facilities, and regulation of air toxics from these facilities will give surrounding communities information to help protect their health.

Colorado moms call on EPA to set strong standards for methane pollution.

In June 2021, Colorado moms joined Moms Clean Air Force staff and volunteers from across the country to participate in EPA’s listening sessions on its upcoming oil and natural gas methane rule. The listening sessions were a unique opportunity for environmental justice and frontline communities to weigh in ahead of the proposed rulemaking. Moms advocated for at least a 65% reduction in methane pollution from oil and gas operations, compared to 2012 levels, no later than 2025.

Moms Clean Air Force Colorado organizers Laurie Anderson and Shaina Oliver offered testimony. Laurie touted Colorado’s progress on regulation of methane pollution:

“Colorado has continued to lead the nation on strict methane regulations, and even with these enhanced regulations, oil and gas production is still viable in our state. We have already increased wellbore integrity, enhanced programs for leak detection and repair, prohibited the practice of routine venting and flaring (except for in emergency situations), begun the process of replacing pneumatic controllers with non-methane-emitting alternatives, and more. These same enhanced regulations to reduce methane emissions can be effectively implemented across the country, just as they have been here in Colorado.”

Read Laurie’s full testimony HERE.

In her testimony, Shaina offered her perspective as an affiliate of the Navajo Nation:

“Historically, policy violations have ravaged Indigenous communities’ health, wealth, and environmental well-being…. Indigenous people now have the highest rates of asthma, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, leukemia, adverse birth outcomes, and premature deaths than the general population. I myself was born prematurely, low birth weight, diagnosed with asthma as an infant, and later in life diagnosed with a birth defect. My uncle, who lives near an oil and gas site, has suffered a heart attack and has undergone heart surgery. In addition, my grandfather suffered from asthma continuously before passing away from leukemia. According to Physicians for Social Responsibility, the burdens of health impacts from oil and gas pollution exposures can continue to affect three generations in the future.”

Read Shaina’s full testimony HERE.

Colorado moms join members of Moms Clean Air Force across the country to tell EPA to slash climate pollution from cars.

In June 2021, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado joined more than 40 Moms Clean Air Force staff and volunteers from 16 states and DC to deliver testimony at EPA’s first climate-related public hearing since President Biden took office. The hearing was about EPA’s proposal to restore long-standing state authority to protect residents from climate pollution from cars—something the previous administration had stripped away. EPA wants to once again give California, and any states that choose to adopt California’s standards, permission to set stricter climate pollution standards for cars and light trucks. Reinstating state authority to set tailpipe emissions standards is an important first step for reducing pollution from the transportation sector, the nation’s leading source of climate-warming carbon pollution.

Moms Clean Air Force Colorado organizers Laurie Anderson and Shaina Oliver, plus five volunteers, offered testimony.

Laurie explained the air quality problem in her community of Broomfield, along Colorado’s Front Range:

“Not so well known is our problematic air inversions, where cool nighttime air traps high levels of pollution up against the Rocky Mountains, which impacts our air quality in Front Range communities. The Denver Metro North Front Range is currently listed in ‘serious’ nonattainment for ground-level ozone and is slated to soon be downgraded to ‘severe’ nonattainment as we contend with pollution from the oil and gas sector in the DJ basin combined with vehicle pollution…. Allowing our states to implement stricter climate pollution standards for vehicles will help Colorado in our ozone plight.”

Read Laurie’s full testimony HERE.

Community committee awarded $1.7 million to monitor pollution from the Suncor refinery.

For years, communities neighboring the Suncor oil refinery have sounded the alarm about excessive pollution. On April 19, 2021, a state-sanctioned citizen committee of people in these Commerce City communities voted to allocate $1.7 million in Suncor fine money to continuously monitor the refinery’s toxic emissions for a full year. The group will share their findings on an ongoing basis in both English and Spanish.

Suncor is among the largest polluters in the state and has malfunctioned 108 times in the last 5 years. Toxic pollution from the refinery has exceeded permit limits more than 500 times from 2018 to 2020. This pollution can cause cancer, heart and lung problems, and other health issues.

Colorado moms, led by Moms Clean Air Force and EcoMadres Colorado organizer Shaina Oliver, a North Denver resident, have been advocating for stronger regulation of pollution from Suncor refinery at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (DPHE) and at the EPA. We are supporting this community effort to hold Suncor accountable for polluting our communities and harming our children’s health.

Moms applaud Colorado’s leadership cutting methane from oil and gas pneumatic devices.

On February 18, 2021, the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) unanimously voted to adopt nation-leading rules to install zero-emitting pneumatic controllers for new oil and gas operations and a plan for retrofitting existing pneumatic controllers with zero-emitting devices. This rule will eliminate a significant amount of methane emissions from Colorado’s oil and gas sector, cutting climate-warming pollution that contributes to extreme drought and fuels wildfires. It will also eliminate a significant amount of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, which will help improve health-harming ozone pollution on the Front Range.

Moms Clean Air Force Colorado has been active throughout the rulemaking process and gave comments at the February 18 public hearing on the rule.

“Because pneumatic devices are the second largest source of methane emissions from the oil and gas sector in Colorado, families, like my own, living near oil and gas operations greatly appreciate the work being done by the AQCC to safeguard them from harmful methane and VOC pollution. This rulemaking is a step in the right direction, but there is more work to be done to ensure all oil and gas wells are ultimately addressed in order to clean up the air our children breathe and protect the climate they will inherit.” — Laurie Anderson, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado field organizer based in Broomfield

“Moms appreciate the work of the AQCC to reduce methane emissions from pneumatic controllers, and we recognize the need to urgently adopt regulations to cut pollution at the levels required by state law, while driving equitable outcomes for impacted communities. For far too long, Black, Indigenous, and people of color have been disproportionately exposed to harmful air pollution and climate change impacts because of where we live, learn, work, and play. Our communities urgently need protections,” said Shaina Oliver, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado field organizer based in Denver

Read more about the new rule HERE.

Moms Clean Air Force applauds Colorado’s leadership in eliminating routine flaring from oil and gas operations.

On November 5, 2020, the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) unanimously adopted new rules to eliminate the practice of routine flaring and venting at new and existing wells across the state. Routine flaring occurs when operators burn off natural gas produced from oil wells, and routine venting is when natural gas is deliberately released into the air. This unnecessary practice puts the health and futures of our children at risk by contributing to emissions of methane, carbon dioxide, and dangerous air pollutants.

Thankfully, Colorado is continuing its tradition of leadership in cutting methane pollution by eliminating routine flaring and venting to protect our children and the environment. Colorado moms have been active throughout the rulemaking process and gave testimony at the recent public hearing on the rule.

Field organizer Laurie Anderson, who lives a half mile from a 19-well large-scale oil and gas operation with her family, spoke on behalf of families across the state:

“Venting and flaring can release harmful volatile organic compounds like benzene that contributes to ground-level ozone and causes cancer. Families, like my own, living near oil and gas operations are rightfully concerned about our air quality, but air pollution can travel long distances so these flaring regulations will benefit residents across Colorado.”

Upon finalization of the rule, Indigenous peoples’ rights advocate and Moms Clean Air Force field organizer Shaina Oliver issued this statement:

“Moms Clean Air Force’s Colorado Chapter applauds the efforts of the COGCC to eliminate the harmful practice of venting and flaring at oil and gas sites. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) have been disproportionately exposed to harmful air pollution and climate change impacts because of where we live, learn, work, and play. Polluters must be held accountable so communities living near oil and gas wells can breathe easier and ensure the next seven generations have a safe place to call home.”

Colorado continues to lead the nation with protections from oil and gas air pollution.

In September 2020, Colorado moved forward with two rulemakings that will help protect families in the state from harmful oil and gas air pollution that impacts health and contributes to climate change. The first rulemaking establishes a first-of-its-kind state regulation for monitoring gas leaks starting when construction on a well begins and continuing through the first six months of oil and gas production. The second rulemaking is a 2,000-foot minimum setback of oil and gas operations from homes and schools. This is the largest setback requirement in the nation.

These rules are the latest updates to Colorado’s regulation of oil and gas development required by Senate Bill 181, passed in 2019. They provide a precedent for other state governments to follow as they implement their own oil and gas regulations and can serve as a template for much needed federal protections. In fact, Colorado’s first-of-its-kind 2014 methane rule was the basis for the federal EPA methane rule that was finalized by the Obama administration in 2016 but unfortunately rolled back by the Trump Administration in 2020.

Colorado moms worked hard to get state rules finalized, coordinating with partners to educate the public on the issue and recruit public comments.

Colorado moms join Moms Clean Air Force members from across the country to demand EPA protect our families from dangerous smog.

On August 30 and September 1, 2020, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado joined more than 50 Moms Clean Air Force staff and volunteers from 14 states and DC to deliver testimony at the EPA’s virtual public hearing on ground-level ozone, or smog. Smog is a widespread and largely preventable form of air pollution that is a powerful lung irritant and asthma trigger. In July 2020, in the midst of a global respiratory pandemic, EPA chose to keep the standards for smog the same—in spite of strong evidence showing significant health harm at levels below the current standards—and opened a public comment period that would be considered notably short even if we were not in the midst of a global respiratory pandemic. This continues a disturbing trend at EPA, led by Administrator Andrew Wheeler, of sidelining science, ignoring environmental injustice, and stifling public participation in the rulemaking process.

Moms Clean Air Force Colorado organizers Shaina Oliver and Laurie Anderson and a volunteer from Commerce City offered testimony.

Moms Clean Air Force Colorado organizer Shaina Oliver speaks out against the nomination of William Perry Pendley to lead the Bureau of Land Management.

In July 2020, President Trump formally nominated William Perry Pendley to become the new head of the Bureau of Land Management—the federal agency responsible for 250 million acres of America’s public land. The head of this agency controls leasing of public lands to the oil and gas industry. However, Pendley is a former oil and gas lobbyist who has advocated for an extreme reduction of national monuments, putting land that is sacred to Indigenous people and our children’s future at risk from climate change. He also has a history of making racist attacks, particularly against Indigenous people, whom he has labeled an “issue” because they advocate for land protections.

On August 15, The Colorado Sun published an op-ed by Colorado organizer Shaina Oliver making the case for the rejection of Pendley’s nomination. Shaina wrote,

Pendley’s nomination to lead the Bureau of Land Management is an outrage and extreme offense not just to Indigenous people, and not just to mothers, but to every person who breathes air, drinks water and cares about America’s public lands, our Indigenous homelands. These lands help us fight climate change, sustain our spirits, honor our ancestors and protect vital wildlife habitat.

Two days after the op-ed was published, the White House announced it plans to withdraw Pendley’s name from consideration as BLM director. He will, however, remain acting director of the bureau until a new director is confirmed.

Rep. Diana DeGette joins our 2020 Stay In and Speak Out for Climate Action.

This year, we aren’t playing around. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we aren’t holding our happy, crowded, buzzing, and bubbling annual Play-In for Climate Action in Washington, DC. Instead, we’re asking legislators across the country to join us for virtual events and conversations with their constituents to talk about air pollution, climate action and what we can do to fight the climate crisis where we live.

On August 11, Congresswoman Diana DeGette joined Colorado field organizers Shaina Oliver and Laurie Anderson and moms and children from Colorado’s 1st District to discuss air pollution, climate change, and how the congresswoman is working to protect our families from these threats that impact health and well-being.

Colorado adopts the strongest well integrity rule in the country.

On June 11, 2020, Colorado finalized protections that will help prevent blowouts, leaks, and other accidents from occurring at oil and gas facilities across the state. These are called well integrity standards. The new standards will help protect the air and water quality for 300,000 Coloradans who live within a half mile of an oil or gas well. This will include annual pressure testing for all the approximately 52,000 active wells in Colorado. These standards will also include increased transparency.

Moms Clean Air Force Colorado worked hard to ensure that these well integrity standards are the strongest, most comprehensive rules in the nation. These standards are among several oil and gas rulemakings now required by law in Colorado. Moms across Colorado continue to participate in public hearings, speak with officials, and educate the public as new oil and gas regulations are considered.

Colorado moms join members of Moms Clean Air Force across the country to demand stronger protections against deadly soot.

In May 2020, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado joined more than 65 Moms Clean Air Force staff and volunteers from 18 states and DC to deliver testimony at the EPA’s virtual public hearing on PM 2.5, or deadly soot. In April 2020, Trump’s EPA proposed to retain the current standards for particle pollution, ignoring science and putting thousands of lives at risk. Even in the midst of a national public health emergency from COVID-19, moms participated in the public hearing in record numbers. It’s one of many ways Moms Clean Air Force Colorado is continuing to engage in serious and consequential advocacy and outreach during the coronavirus pandemic.

Moms Clean Air Force Colorado’s organizers Shaina Oliver and Laurie Anderson offered testimony, as did five Moms Clean Air Force members from around the state.

Colorado moms testify to oppose weakening the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

On February 11, 2020, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado organizers Shaina Oliver and Laurie Anderson testified against the rollback of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in Denver, Colorado. One of America’s first environmental protection laws from 1970, NEPA helps to ensure that federal projects do not have significant adverse health, environmental, economic, or social impacts on our communities.

“Rolling back National Environmental Policy Act rules would make it easier for polluting projects to get the green light, regardless of the impact they may have on the air our children breathe, or the climate impacts our children will inherit. As parents, we deserve to know the impacts of proposed projects to our children’s health, our communities, and the climate.” —Laurie Anderson

“Poorly-planned polluting projects add insult to injury for indigenous families like mine, who have struggled with inequities for generations. NEPA has been a critical tool for public engagement on industrial projects, providing a voice for the community in places where our voices are otherwise ignored.” —Shaina Oliver

Learn more about NEPA HERE.

Moms Clean Air Force helps Colorado push for bold climate legislation.

In November 2019, Congressman Donald McEachin (VA-04) introduced the 100% Clean Economy Act of 2019 with Representatives Deb Haaland (NM-01), Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Earl Blumenauer (OR-3), Paul Tonko (NY-20), and Chellie Pingree (ME-01). This ambitious national bill aims to eliminate all climate pollution—including from transportation, electricity, buildings, and agriculture—by no later than 2050.

In the months leading up to the release of the bill, Colorado moms met with Members of Congress across the state to urge them to join as co-sponsors. Moms Clean Air Force Colorado thanks Representatives Jason Crow (CO-06), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Joe Neguse (CO-02), and Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) for being among the over 150 original co-sponsors leading on this issue.

Learn more about the bill HERE.

Field organizer Shaina Oliver elevates Indigenous perspectives at the only EPA public hearing on the rollback of the federal methane standards in Dallas, Texas.

Moms Clean Air Force members from around the country testified in Dallas against the rollback of our national methane emissions standards. Among them was Colorado organizer Shaina Oliver. Shaina’s testimony was featured in the Dallas Morning News article “Feelings of ‘despair’: Climate change activists testify against EPA plans to roll back methane emissions standards.”

Colorado adopts landmark climate bill—and Colorado moms helped make it happen.

On May 1, 2019, after months of work, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado celebrated the passing of a major climate bill, the Climate Action Plan to Reduce Pollution. Colorado will aim to reduce greenhouse gas pollution from 2005 levels by at least 25% by 2026, 50% by 2030, and 90% by 2050.

To build strong support for the bill, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado organized a lobby day to meet with members of the Colorado State Legislature, made phone calls, and sent emails—sending the message loud and clear that Colorado moms want a plan to reduce greenhouse gas pollution in our state to protect our children’s health and future.

Thank you to Representatives KC Becker and Dominique Jackson and Senators Faith Winter and Angela Williams for your strong leadership.

Moms help push landmark oil and gas legislation across the finish line to protect Colorado families and communities.

In April 2019, a bill to strengthen Colorado’s existing oil and gas regulations was signed into law. The bill bolsters oversight, allowing state officials to focus more on health and safety while giving local governments more power in deciding where drilling takes place. The bill also directs the state’s Air Quality Control Commission to introduce the next generation of methane pollution protections that build on what Colorado currently has in place.

Moms Clean Air Force Colorado was instrumental in the adoption of the bill. Over the past several years, Colorado moms have testified numerous times at the State Capitol, including in March 2019 in favor of this bill; organized press conferences in impacted communities; met with mayors, council members, commissioners, and state legislators; testified at former Governor Hickenlooper’s Oil and Gas Taskforce; and signed onto numerous letters in support of greater regulations and protections.

Moms Clean Air Force Colorado show up to fight the proposed methane pollution rollbacks.

In November 2018, impacted moms from Colorado testified in Denver against the proposed EPA rollback of the New Source Performance Standards. Moms brought national attention to this issue through moving testimony and poignant interviews by our Supermom volunteers. Our interviews reached viewers on Telemundo, Channel 7, Channel 9, and Fox 31.

Read more here.

Moms Clean Air Force helps shut down two coal-fired power plants.

In 2018, the Colorado Public Utilities Commission approved a $2.5 billion plan by Xcel Energy to close two coal-fired power plants and increase wind and solar generation; by 2026, 55% of the utility’s electricity will come from clean energy. According to Xcel, the plan will not only cut the company’s CO2 emissions by nearly 60% but will also save customers approximately $213 million.

Moms Clean Air Force was a critical voice in helping move this forward, testifying in favor of the shutdown in the spring of 2018 at the Colorado Public Utilities Commission.

Working toward stronger protections from oil and gas pollution.

In 2014, Colorado became the first state in the nation to directly regulate methane emissions from oil and gas operations. Each year, Colorado will reduce more than 100,000 tons of methane and nearly 90,000 tons of smog-forming volatile organic compounds.

With over 50,000 active oil and gas wells, compressors, and processors in the state, and more than 247,000 Coloradans living within a designated threat radius of half a mile from these facilities, the state’s methane regulations are critical to protecting Colorado families. Moms Clean Air Force is working to continue moving Colorado toward even stronger regulations, while protecting frontline communities living near oil and gas operations.

Working with partners to share air quality monitoring data from Suncor Refinery with impacted communities.

In April 2021, the communities surrounding the Suncor oil refinery were awarded $1.7 million to continuously monitor the refinery’s toxic emissions for a full year. In the months since this announcement, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado has partnered with Cultivando, the nonprofit administering the program, and other local organizations, to spread word about the new program through bilingual materials and community events.

Read our fact sheets about the Suncor pollution problem in English and Spanish.

Moms and partners kicked off their community information sessions with a lively outdoor EcoFiesta in July. Hundreds of community members attended the event, which included knowledgeable speakers interspersed with music, dancing, and children’s activities.

In August, Colorado moms and partners hosted a virtual panel discussion titled Air Quality Monitoring at the Suncor Refinery. The event featured remarks from Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01), and panelists included Cultivando’s Olga Gonzalez, Boulder A.I.R.’s Dr. Detlev Helmig, Wild Earth Guardians’ Kate Merlin, Impacted Resident Lucy Molina, and Moms Clean Air Force organizer Shaina Oliver. Watch the replay.

On November 6, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado and partners hosted an in-person update on the AIRE program and used the opportunity to celebrate Latino leadership in the local community. The event featured pre-recorded messages from Congresswoman DeGette and Dr. Helmig, plus a panel of knowledgeable speakers, including State Representative Alex Valdez (CO-05), Aracely Navarro (Cultivando), Shaina Oliver (Moms Clean Air Force), Ean Tafoya (GreenLatinos), and Kate Merlin (WildEarth Guardians).

Building a network of Latina moms through EcoMadres.

Launched in September 2018, the EcoMadres program brings Latina moms together to address issues of clean air, climate, and toxics, which affect the health of Latino children and families. EcoMadres is a collaboration of Moms Clean Air Force and a number of partner organizations across the US.

The program provides comadres with reliable information and solutions through online resources, articles, action tools, and on-the-ground events. Our inclusive community empowers and lifts up the voices of comadres for the benefit of our families and communities.

EcoMadres is building a vibrant network of volunteers in Colorado.

Connecting Colorado moms to local leadership for citywide change.

Moms Clean Air Force knows the importance of municipal outreach. Our Colorado organizers connect local moms to their mayors and city officials through the Moms & Mayors program. Speaking directly to local officials, moms can achieve healthier communities—by advocating for policies to address local air pollution issues, expand community solar projects, or develop a strong city sustainability plan.

We are transitioning to clean energy and transportation.

Colorado is working hard to tackle emissions from transportation. In January 2019, as one of his first actions in office, Governor Jared Polis signed an executive order outlining several directives that will accelerate electrification of the transportation sector. As the largest CO2 emitting industry in Colorado, tackling transportation emissions would have a huge impact on Colorado’s overall greenhouse gas emissions.

Colorado is the eighth highest producing natural gas state, but we are also taking big steps to expand renewable energy production and use in the state. In 2019, with strong support from Moms, the Colorado legislature passed the Climate Action Plan to Reduce Pollution, which sets goals for reducing greenhouse gas pollution from 2005 levels by at least 50% by 2030 and 90% by 2050.

Our children are at risk from dangerous climate warming.

Curbing emissions in Colorado and nationwide is critical for the health and safety of Colorado families. 2020 was the worst wildfire season on record in Colorado with over 665,000 acres burned. The fires in Colorado are not only growing more frequent, but also growing larger, with the 2020 fires ranking among the largest wildfires in the state’s history. These fires are dangerous for families and communities and erode air quality across the state.

Wildfires, however, are just one of the many risks Colorado families face because of climate change. According to the 2018 NRDC report “Climate Change and Health in Colorado,” Coloradans can also expect more extreme heat, decreasing snowpack, and increased drought. The Colorado River, the source of drinking water for 40 million people in Colorado and six other states, is also declining at a dangerous rate due to the decreasing snowpack and drought.

Colorado families must continue to push for local, state, and federal policies that quickly reduce climate-warming greenhouse gases.

Our children breathe unsafe air.

While statewide methane pollution controls are helping to improve Colorado’s air, Colorado still has a major smog problem. Smog, or ground-level ozone, irritates the lungs, can trigger asthma attacks, interferes with normal lung development, and increases the incidence of respiratory infections.

According to the 2022 State of the Air Report, 13 counties in Colorado received a D or F grade for ozone pollution—including both Denver and Boulder. Denver and Fort Collins also made the 25 Most Polluted Cities list for ozone pollution, ranking 7th and 18th respectively.

Past Events

May 2023

On May 9, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado coordinators Laurie Anderson and Shaina Oliver joined dozens of Moms Clean Air Force staff and members in 16 states and Washington, DC, to testify at EPA’s virtual public hearing on proposed federal standards for pollution from cars and trucks. Read Laurie’s testimony here and Shaina’s here.

On May 9, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado coordinators Laurie Anderson and Shaina Oliver joined dozens of Moms Clean Air Force staff and members in 15 states and Washington, DC, to testify at EPA’s virtual public hearing on the proposal to strengthen the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards. Read Laurie’s testimony here and Shaina’s here.

On May 7, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado coordinator Shaina Oliver hosted a Mother’s Day jewelry craft workshop with local business NSolidarity at Green House Community Center in Denver.

On May 6, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado coordinator Laurie Anderson hosted a booth at the Girl Scouts Protect Our Community event in Superior. This event was a celebration of the efforts of Cadette Troop 75930 and Junior Troop 76906 in achieving the organization’s highest awards possible with work on air quality and storm water pollution.

On May 2, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado coordinators Laurie Anderson and Shaina Oliver joined dozens of Moms Clean Air Force staff and members in 18 states and Washington, DC, to testify at EPA’s virtual public hearing on proposed federal standards for greenhouse gas pollution from heavy-duty trucks. Read Laurie’s testimony here and Shaina’s here.

On May 1–4, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado coordinator Shaina Oliver, Arizona coordinator Hazel Chandler, and National Field Manager Elizabeth Brandt attended the National Tribal Forum on Air Quality in Chandler, Arizona.

April 2023

On April 22, EcoMadres Colorado coordinator Shaina Oliver spoke at the student-led Denver Public Schools Climate Summit at Manual High School.

On April 22, EcoMadres Colorado coordinator Shaina Oliver hosted a table at an Earth Day event at the Denver Indian Center.

On April 20, Moms Clean Air Force was invited to Vice President Kamala Harris’ residence to celebrate Earth Day. They were joined by environmental advocates and Indigenous leaders from across the country.

On April 10, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado coordinator Shaina Oliver joined Representatives Jennifer Bacon and Jenny Willford at a press event at the Capitol in Denver for a bill to protect communities from air pollution. Watch the replay.

On April 5, Moms Clean Air Force hosted the first in a series of bilingual cafecitos about air quality monitoring in Colorado. This installment featured Cultivando’s Olga González, Elvia Chavez, and Cristina Ruiz. Cultivando recently received federal funding for its AIRE project, a community air quality monitoring project in the neighborhoods surrounding the Suncor oil refinery. Watch the replay.

March 2023

Moms Clean Air Force Colorado coordinator Laurie Anderson and her son Ryan visited Washington, DC, in March a methane week of action. She met with staff in Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen’s and Senator Michael Bennet’s offices, with the Bureau of Land Management, and with the White House Council on Environmental Quality.

On March 20, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado coordinator Shaina Oliver was featured at an Early Years Climate Action Task Force listening session about engaging parents in the fight for a sustainable future and supporting parenting in the era of climate change. The panel was facilitated by author Anya Kamenetz and also featured early childhood provider Lois Martin (Community Day Center for Children).

On March 17, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado coordinator Shaina Oliver attended an EPA event in Denver announcing Colorado’s participation in EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program. These planning grants will bring up to $3 million in flexible resources for the state to develop climate solutions that will protect the people of Colorado from pollution and advance environmental justice.

On March 15, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado coordinator Shaina Oliver attended a press conference sponsored by Cultivando about results of their community air quality monitoring project in Commerce City, near the Suncor refinery. Watch the replay.

Moms Clean Air Force Colorado coordinator Shaina Oliver shared a land acknowledgment at the East High School screening of A Good Neighbor, a film about Lucy Molina, a Latina single mom and environmental justice advocate running for city council in her Colorado neighborhood.

On March 14, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado coordinator Shaina Oliver attended an invitation-only town hall about environmental justice concerns in the predominantly Latino Elyria-Swansea neighborhood in Denver with Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-1).

On March 6, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado members joined Vice President Kamala Harris at the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities for a talk about the challenges posed by climate change in Western states.

On March 2, Moms Clean Air Force attended the ninth annual Women Powering Change event at the Denver Center for Performing Arts.

February 2023

On February 26, Moms Clean Air Force joined Black Parents United Foundation for an Environmental Justice Community Leadership Training— titled “Building a NEW Community-Led Policy”— in Denver. This training was the fifth in an eight-part series.

In February, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado coordinators Laurie Anderson and Shaina Oliver and six Colorado volunteer joined more than 60 Moms Clean Air Force staff and members across the country to testify at the EPA hearing on proposed federal standards for soot pollution. Read Laurie’s testimony here and Shaina’s here.

On February 18, Moms Clean Air Force hosted a table at the 12th Annual AIPAC and Adams 12 Powwow at STEM Launch School in Thornton.

On February 15, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado coordinator Laurie Anderson participated in the Colorado Air Pollution Control Division’s Greenhouse Gas Intensity Verification Rule stakeholder meeting.

On February 11, Moms Clean Air Force hosted a table at the Snagalicious Bazaar at the Four Winds American Indian Council building in Denver.

On February 1, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado coordinator Shaina Oliver attended the Zero Fare Celebration, hosted by the Alliance to Transform Transportation. The event was a celebration of the success of RTD’s Zero Fare August, which saw a 22% increase in ridership from the previous month and a 36% increase from the previous year.

January 2023

On January 15, Moms Clean Air Force joined Black Parents United Foundation for an Environmental Justice Community Leadership Training— titled “Bill 181 Policy Discussion”— in Aurora. This training was the fourth in an eight-part series.

On January 10, 11, and 12, more than 60 Moms Clean Air Force staff and members from 21 states and Washington, DC, spoke out at EPA’s virtual public hearing about its updated proposal to cut methane and other harmful pollutants from new and existing oil and gas operations. Moms Clean Air Force Colorado coordinators Laurie Anderson and Shaina Oliver, two Supermoms, and Kids Clean Air Force member Rosemarie Anderson offered testimony. Read Laurie’s testimony here, Shaina’s here, and Rosemarie’s here.

On January 10, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado coordinator Shaina Oliver was a panelist in a town hall discussion about air quality along Colorado’s Front Range during the American Meteorological Society’s 103^rd Annual Meeting.

December 2022

On December 7, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado coordinator Laurie Anderson gave public comments before the Air Pollution Control Division on the Greenhouse Gas Intensity Verification Rule.

November 2022

On November 20, Moms Clean Air Force joined Black Parents United Foundation for an Environmental Justice Community Leadership Training—titled “Bring It to the Table”— in Aurora. This training was the second in an eight-part series.

October 2022

On October 23, Moms Clean Air Force joined Black Parents United Foundation for an Environmental Justice Community Leadership Training—titled “What Does Environmental Justice Look Like?”— in Aurora. This training was the first in an eight-part series. Moms’ member Christy Haas Howard gave a presentation at the training on asthma impacts. We were joined by our partners at Defend Our Future, GreenLatinos, and Sierra Club.

On October 10, Moms Clean Air Force and EcoMadres celebrated Indigenous Peoples Day at a community event at the American Indian Academy of Denver.

On October 6, Moms Clean Air Force joined Defend Our Future and GreenLatinos in Denver as part of a nationwide day of action to call on President Biden to take immediate action to cut methane pollution from the oil and gas industry. Watch the replay.

September 2022

On September 28, Colorado coordinators Laurie Anderson and Shaina Oliver joined Moms Clean Air Force staff and members from across the country to speak out at EPA’s virtual public hearing about its proposed Safer Communities by Chemical Accident Prevention rule, which will better protect the health and safety of communities vulnerable to chemical disasters by strengthening existing safeguards and introducing new ones. Read Laurie’s testimony HERE and Shaina’s HERE.

August 2022

On August 25, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado coordinator Shaina Oliver attended Back to School Night at the American Indian Academy in Denver to share information about Moms’ environmental justice work in the community and ways parents and students can get involved.

On August 21, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado joined our partners at the Black Parents United Foundation for the first annual Aurora Arts EcoFest in the Aurora Arts District.

On August 13, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado coordinator Shaina Oliver joined a Denver Public Schools town hall and gave comments on making learning equitable for Black and brown students, including climate change and Indigenous knowledge in curriculums, and transitioning diesel school bus fleets to electric-powered school buses.

On August 10, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado coordinators Shaina Oliver and Laurie Anderson attended an EPA Clean School Buses press event with Governor Jared Polis at Mosely P-8 Aurora Public School.

On August 9, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado joined Senators Hickenlooper and Bennet at City Park Pavilion in Denver to celebrate the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act.

July 2022

On July 28, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado coordinator Laurie Anderson attended Commuting Solutions’ 6th Annual Transportation Summit in Westminster.

On July 25, Christy Haas-Howard, school nurse and Moms Clean Air Force Colorado volunteer, participated in a virtual panel discussion about ozone pollution in Denver and the North Front Range area of Colorado. The panelists discussed how Colorado’s oil and gas industry contributes to the ozone problem and what the state can do to address this pollution in a meaningful way. Watch the replay.

On July 18, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado state coordinator Shaina Oliver joined Black Parents United Foundation for a press conference celebrating Governor Polis’s announcement of the first recipients of funds from the Outdoor Equity Grant Program, which increases access to outdoor opportunities for all Coloradans.

On July 16, EcoMadres and Moms Clean Air Force Colorado co-hosted the 2nd Annual EcoFiesta in Commerce City with our partners Cultivando, Sierra Club, and 350.org. This family-friendly community event celebrated the environmental justice wins of the past year and re-focused our work for the year ahead. Moms Clean Air Force shared an updated fact sheet about pollution from the Suncor oil refinery, which is located in Commerce City. Read the fact sheet in English or Spanish.

On July 9, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado state coordinator Shaina Oliver gave public comment before the Colorado Air Pollution Control Division about limiting harmful pollution from the Suncor oil refinery.

June 2022

On June 27, Colorado moms joined the Black Parents United Foundation for an event at the Dayton Street Opportunity Center in Aurora.

May 2022

On May 26, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado coordinators Laurie Anderson and Shaina Oliver attended the bill signing ceremony for SB-180—which aims to reduce ground-level ozone, or smog, by increasing public transit ridership—at Union Station in Denver.

From May 2 to 5, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado coordinator Shaina Oliver and National Field Manager Elizabeth Brandt attended the National Tribal Air Association’s annual Forum on Air Quality. On May 4, they led a breakout session about air pollution in Indigenous communities and its impact on community health. During the session, they brainstormed best practices and ideas for engaging NTAA members in these important discussions and decision-making around air quality issues.

On May 2, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado coordinator Laurie Anderson participated in an Air Quality Awareness Week lobby day at the Colorado Capitol with the Colorado Air Toxics Coalition.

April 2022

Colorado Moms celebrated Earth Day with an event at Montview High School in Denver.

On April 16, Kids Clean Air Force Colorado members shared their thoughts about clean air and climate change in Moms Clean Air Force’s Youth Voices Talk Climate Change program. The event was hosted by Rosemarie from northern Colorado. Watch the replay.

On April 14, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado coordinator Laurie Anderson joined Defend Our Future to talk about air quality issues in North Denver and surrounding areas and the work Moms Clean Air Force is doing in Colorado.

On April 12, 13, and 14, dozens of Moms Clean Air Force staff and members from 18 states and Washington, DC, spoke out at EPA’s virtual public hearing about its proposal to clean up tailpipe pollution from heavy-duty trucks and buses. Moms Clean Air Force Colorado coordinators Laurie Anderson and Shaina Oliver, as well as a member from Evergreen, offered testimony.

On April 11, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado coordinator Laurie Anderson attended Representative Joe Neguse’s (CO-02) virtual town hall.

On April 5, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado coordinator Shaina Oliver provided public comment at the Colorado Senate Transportation and Energy Committee hearing on SB22-193, a bill that increases investments in air quality monitoring and cleanup.

March 2022

On March 31, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado coordinator Shaina Oliver joined Governor Jared Polis and members of the Colorado General Assembly for a press conference outlining the Governor’s bold plans to improve Colorado’s air quality by unveiling a package of environmental bills. In her remarks, Shaina focused on the health benefits of strong policies to clean up our air and mitigate climate change. Watch the replay.

Moms Clean Air Force Colorado field coordinator Laurie Anderson spoke at a virtual press conference on March 23, to call on EPA to set the strongest possible pollution standards for heavy-duty vehicles in order to drive investments in clean trucks and the transition to all-electric trucks. Laurie was joined by Congressman Ed Perlmutter, State Senator Faith Winter, and Broomfield Mayor Guyleen Castriotta. Watch the replay.

February 2022

On February 24, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado joined dozens of Moms Clean Air Force staff and volunteers from 15 states and DC to deliver testimony at EPA’s public hearing on its proposal to restore the appropriate and necessary finding of the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards. Moms Clean Air Force Colorado coordinators Laurie Anderson and Shaina Oliver offered testimony. Read Laurie’s testimony HERE.

On February 22, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado coordinator Shaina Oliver joined EPA’s environmental justice community discussion about the environmental justice screening and mapping tool EJScreen.

On February 20, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado coordinator Shaina Oliver hosted an open community discussion about environmental justice featuring our partners at Black Parents United Foundation, Cultivando, and Greenhouse Connections. The conversation closed with an update from Colorado’s Environmental Justice Action Task Force. Watch the replay.

On February 17, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado coordinator Shaina Oliver shared a presentation about air pollution and health at the national meeting of Families for a Future.

On February 14, EcoMadres, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado, and our partners at Cultivando delivered Valentine letters to Senator Michael Bennet’s office in Denver, asking him to deliver on community air monitoring, maternal health protections, Indigenous rights, and bold climate investments.

On February 14, Moms Clean Air Force joined Colorado lawmakers, advocates, and health professionals for a press conference at the Colorado State Capitol to discuss the Public Protections From Toxic Air Contaminants Bill. This bill would establish health-based air quality standards, protecting the health of impacted workers, communities of color, and working families. Watch the replay.

On February 12, EcoMadres Colorado and our partners at Cultivando hosted a Valentine’s event in Commerce City to urge action by the US Senate on the climate provisions in the Build Back Better Act. We wrote letters and created Valentines for our Colorado Senators, asking them to support these critical investments.

On February 4, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado coordinator Laurie Anderson joined Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, Louisville Mayor Ashley Stolzmann, Town of Superior Trustee Paige Henchen, and Getches-Wilkinson Center for Natural Resources, Energy & the Environment Executive Director Alice Madden for a virtual event about the Build Back Better Act and extreme weather in Colorado. Speakers called for federal investments to protect Coloradans from extreme weather and highlighted why the state can’t afford inaction any longer. Watch the replay.

January 2022

On January 31, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado coordinator Laurie Anderson attended a town hall hosted by Senator John Hickenlooper to ask a question about climate change and next steps for the Build Back Better Act.

On January 31, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado coordinator Shaina Oliver joined the White House Council on Native American Affairs’ first Tribal Leader Engagement Session.

On January 20, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado coordinator Laurie Anderson gave public testimony at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Regional Air Quality Council listening session about downgrading ozone nonattainment from “serious” to “severe.”

On January 19, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado coordinator Shaina Oliver and Project Manager Celerah Hewes joined a panel of experts from the National Tribal Air Association, Environmental Defense Fund, and American Lung Association to discuss EPA’s proposed methane rule.

EcoMadres Colorado coordinator Shaina Oliver attended GreenLatinos’ virtual Winter Summit.

December 2021

On December 4, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado organizer Shaina Oliver provided comments about the Environmental Justice Act before Colorado’s Air Quality Control Commission.

Moms Clean Air Force Colorado joined 38 Moms Clean Air Force staff and volunteers from 13 states and DC to deliver testimony at EPA’s 3-day public hearing about the proposed rule to cut methane and other harmful air pollutants from new and existing oil and gas operations in November and December 2021. Colorado organizers Laurie Anderson and Shaina Oliver and a Colorado supermom offered testimony. Read Shaina’s full testimony here and Laurie’s full testimony here.

November 2021

On Native American Heritage Day, Moms Clean Air Force hosted a conversation with Indigenous leaders Mariah Gladstone (Blackfeet and Cherokee Nations) and Kenneth Cook (Onondaga Nation). The conversation focused on food sovereignty, biodiversity, climate change, and Indigenous rights. Watch the replay.

On November 18, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado organizer Shaina Oliver participated in a panel discussion titled “Clean Transportation on Tribal Lands: Understanding Unique Challenges and Opportunities.” She brought her expertise on best practices in Indigenous inclusion and Indigenous community needs to this important conversation, which was part of a two-day virtual conference on E-Mobility Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion hosted by EVNoire and Forth.

Moms Clean Air Force Colorado organizers Laurie Anderson and Shaina Oliver attended Senator Hickenlooper’s tele-town hall on November 17.

On November 12, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado joined Conservation Colorado and Mountain Mamas to sponsor a discussion about air quality and more with Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06). Watch the replay.

On November 10, Moms Clean Air Force organizer Shaina Oliver attended the second session of the Tribal and Indigenous Climate Adaptation Series. The roundtable discussion, hosted by the National Adaptation Forum, focused on building collective power for community-led adaptation centered in the self-determination of Tribal communities.

On November 9, Shaina Oliver, Dineh Indigenous rights advocate and Moms Clean Air Force Colorado organizer, joined an expert panel—including Spremberg Mayor Christine Herntier and Sasha Nelson, Executive Director of Workforce Education and Economic Development at Colorado Northwestern Community College—for a discussion of the social and equity implications of a just transition off fossil fuels. The discussion took place at the Alliance Center in Denver. Shaina’s remarks focused on Indigenous people and air pollution in the United States, including environmental health impacts in Tribal communities and best ways to talk to elected officials about climate action. Watch the replay.

On November 6, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado celebrated Latino leadership in environmental justice and provided an update on the AIRE program for the communities surrounding the Suncor Refinery. The event featured pre-recorded messages from Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01) and Dr. Detlev Helmig with Boulder A.I.R, plus a panel of knowledgeable speakers, including Representative Alex Valdez (CO-05), Aracely Navarro (Cultivando), Shaina Oliver (Moms Clean Air Force), Ean Tafoya (GreenLatinos), and Kate Merlin (WildEarth Guardians). The event was sponsored by Cultivando, Moms Clean Air Force, EcoMadres, GreenLatinos, WildEarth Guardians, CSU Center for Environmental Justice, and North Range Concerned Citizens. Watch the replay.

October 2021

On October 28, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado organizer Shaina Oliver provided comments at the Department of Interior’s Listening Session on Tribal Climate Adaptation and Mitigation.

On October 27, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado organizer Shaina Oliver provided comments at the Air Quality Control Commission’s public meeting about environmental justice and how to best serve disproportionately impacted communities.

On October 21, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado organizer Laurie Anderson provided general public comments at the Air Quality Control Commission meeting about concerns over the performance-based standards for oil and gas operations. In her comments, she explained that ozone pollution is a problem for Colorado that is compounded by wildfire smoke, not caused by wildfire smoke.

On October 19, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado organizer Shaina Oliver attended EPA’s webinar “Traditional Knowledge—Tribal and Indigenous Experience With Federal Agencies.”

On October 19, Colorado field organizers Shaina Oliver and Laurie Anderson testified at the White House Council on Environmental Quality’s public hearing on the proposed reinstatement of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) rulemaking. Read Laurie’s testimony HERE and Shaina’s testimony HERE.

On October 14, EcoMadres organizers and members across the country celebrated the program’s first three years. The virtual program featured EcoMadres in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Nevada, and Texas, who shared stories from their work fighting for a healthy climate in their local communities. Watch the replay.

On October 1, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado organizers Laurie Anderson and Shaina Oliver joined moms from across the country in a meeting with the Office of Management and Budget about the proposed EPA methane rule for new and existing sources.

September 2021

On September 21, Colorado moms participated in the Protecting Moms and Babies Against Climate Change Lobby Day. Moms Clean Air Force Colorado organizers Laurie Anderson and Shaina Oliver, along with parents from across the state, met with the offices of Representatives Crow, Neguse, and DeGette and Senators Hickenlooper and Bennet to advocate for important Black maternal health provisions in the Build Back Better Act, including programs specifically focused on easing the impacts of climate change on Black mothers and babies.

August 2021

On August 25, Colorado field organizers Laurie Anderson and Shaina Oliver joined more than 30 Moms Clean Air Force staff and volunteers from 13 states and DC to deliver testimony at EPA’s public hearing about strengthening near-term greenhouse gas emissions standards for cars and light trucks. Read Shaina’s testimony here. Read Laurie’s testimony here.

On August 19, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado hosted a demonstration of an electric school bus at Sunken Gardens Park in Denver. The event was part of Moms’ nationwide Let’s Get Rolling Tour, calling for federal funding to help localities upgrade old school buses with better technology to reduce children’s exposure to harmful diesel exhaust and climate pollution. Watch the replay.

On August 16, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado hosted a panel discussion about air pollution from the Suncor Refinery. The panel featured Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01), Cultivando’s Olga Gonzalez, Boulder A.I.R.’s Dr. Detlev Helmig, Wild Earth Guardians’ Kate Merlin, Impacted Resident Lucy Molina, and Moms Clean Air Force organizers Shaina Oliver and Laurie Anderson. Watch the replay.

On August 4, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado organizer Laurie Anderson submitted a public comment at the APCD Air Quality Enterprise Board Listening Session about reference grade air quality monitoring already being done by municipalities. She argued that there is a need to build on the network of monitoring already in place.

On August 3, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado organizer Shaina Oliver attended the Green Team Academy’s Wild & Scenic Film Festival.

July 2021

On July 21, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado organizer Laurie Anderson joined Defend Our Future for a virtual screening of Ice on Fire, a documentary that explores the potential extinction level event caused by arctic methane release and the newly developed technologies that could reverse global warming by sequestering carbon out of the atmosphere.

On July 18, Moms Clean Air Force and EcoMadres co-hosted an EcoFiesta in Commerce City to raise awareness about the Suncor refinery air pollution problem. The event was well attended with hundreds of people who learned about air quality and air monitoring in a fiesta atmosphere. Moms Clean Air Force made a fact sheet that explained the Suncor pollution problem in English and Spanish to hand out from the table.

On July 15, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado organizer Laurie Anderson gave public comment at the AQCC Hearing on regulating ozone, VOC, and NOx pollution from oil and gas operations.

On July 14, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado organizer Shaina Oliver gave public comment at the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission about orphaned wells.

June 2021

On June 17, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado organizer Laurie Anderson gave a presentation on oil and gas regulation in Colorado for a virtual training on oil and gas development as part of the Montana Families Climate Summit, co-sponsored by Moms Clean Air Force, Families for a Livable Climate, and Mountain Mamas.

Colorado moms joined Moms Clean Air Force staff and volunteers from across the country to participate in EPA’s listening sessions on its upcoming oil and natural gas methane rule. Colorado organizers Laurie Anderson and Shaina Oliver offered testimony. Read Laurie’s testimony here and Shaina’s here.

On June 2, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado organizer Laurie Anderson participated in a town hall for Sen. John Hickenlooper.

On June 2, Colorado field organizers Laurie Anderson and Shaina Oliver, plus five volunteers from across the state, joined more than 40 Moms Clean Air Force staff and volunteers from 16 states and DC to deliver testimony at EPA’s first climate-related public hearing since President Biden took office. The hearing was about EPA’s proposal to restore long-standing state authority to protect residents from climate pollution from cars. Read Laurie’s testimony.

May 2021

On May 19, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado organizers Shaina Oliver and Laurie Anderson joined the 2021 National Tribal Forum on Air Quality networking session with Moms Clean Air Force staff.

On May 13, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado field organizers Laurie Anderson and Shaina Oliver, along with several supermoms, attended the Colorado Climate Sit-In on the Capitol Lawn in support of SB21-200, which would require the Air Quality Control Commission to adopt more stringent goals for reducing GHG emissions as well as protections for disproportionately impacted communities. Shaina performed the land acknowledgment at the beginning of the program, which featured powerful speeches by Senator Faith Winter, Representative Dominique Jackson, and impacted community members.

On May 4, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado organizer Shaina Oliver gave a presentation to National Tribel Air Association partner Upper Columbia United Tribes. The presentation was followed by Q&A with Moms’ Field Manager Elizabeth Brandt.

On May 3, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado organizer Shaina Oliver testified before the Colorado Senate Finance Committee in support of HB21-1266, concerning efforts to redress the effects of environmental injustice on disproportionately impacted communities. The Finance Committee passed the bill.

On May 1, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado organizer Shaina Oliver testified at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s hearing on a permit renewal for Suncor Refinery. Her comments focused on the impacts pollution from the refinery has on local children.

April 2021

On April 26, to celebrate Earth Month, Moms Clean Air Force organizers in Colorado and New Mexico teamed up for an event featuring climate conversations with legislative champions in their states, including Congresswoman Teresa Leger-Fernandez (NM-3), Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-1), and -Congressman Ed Perlmutter (CO-7). Watch the replay.

On April 23, Moms Clean Air Force launched its Indigenous Voices virtual event series. The inaugural event was hosted by Moms Clean Air Force and EcoMadres Colorado organizer Shaina Oliver and featured Shelley Buffalo, Meskwaki, Food Sovereignty Branch Coordinator at Meskwaki Natural Resources, Iowa; Stephanie BadSoldier Snow, Ho Chunk & Meskwaki, Anthropologist and Community Organizer in Iowa; and Stephanie Hall, Diné, Executive Director of Tolani Lake Enterprise, Arizona. The topic of conversation was food sovereignty. Watch the replay.

On Earth Day, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado organizer Shaina Oliver was a featured speaker at the Green Team Academy’s 3rd Annual Earth Week Summit. She shared how air pollution is impacting Indigenous communities and how you can make a difference. Watch the replay.

On April 7, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado organizer Laurie Anderson presented on Moms’ work and how to get involved at a letter-to-the-editor workshop sponsored by Defend Our Future and Metropolitan State University.

January 2021

On January 24, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado field organizer Shaina Oliver hosted a virtual discussion about climate justice with EcoMadres Supermom Lucy Molina, Spirit of the Sun Director Renee Millard-Chacon, and Green Latinos’ Ean Tafoya.

December 2020

In December, members of Moms Clean Air Force and EcoMadres Colorado met with their members of Congress to encourage bold climate action in 2021. Colorado parents had meetings with Sen. Bennet, Rep. Diana DeGette (CO-01), Rep. Joe Neguse (CO-02), Rep. Jason Crow (CO-06), and Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07).

November 2020

Colorado field organizer Laurie Anderson was a panelist in a home electrification webinar hosted by CoCo, Sierra Club, HAWC, Physicians for Social Responsibility Colorado on November 19. Her presentation was about where natural gas comes from.

On November 15, Colorado field organizer Shaina Oliver hosted a virtual community meeting with GreenLatinos’ Ean Tafoya. The conversation, titled Bring It to the Table, Mama, focused on climate and social justice. Watch the replay.

On November 12, Colorado field organizer Shaina Oliver testified at the Public Utilities Commission hearing on Xcel Energy’s Transportation Electrification Plan. She urged the commission to ensure that Colorado’s transition to electric vehicles (EVs) reflects the needs and preferences of all residents, including environmental justice communities.

October 2020

To celebrate the second anniversary of our EcoMadres program, we hosted a special event with music, conversation, and highlights of the amazing work EcoMadres across the country have been doing to educate and mobilize Latino families on the impacts of air pollution and climate change. The bilingual broadcast on October 29 was co-hosted by two Latinas, Nevada organizer Cinthia Zermeño Moore and Iowa organizer Karin Stein. This celebratory program featured brief interviews on topics including the impact of wildfires on Latinos and the importance of the Latino vote, interspersed with Latin music, most notably the premiere of the song “EcoMadres,” featuring dozens of organizers and members of the EcoMadres team. Watch the replay.

On October 27, we invited Indigenous leaders from Colorado, Alaska, Iowa, and New Mexico to join a conversation about the power of voting in tribal communities. Panelists included Renée Millard-Chacon, Dínéh/Mexica; James Skeet, Dínéh; Louise Brady, Tlingít; and Stephanie BadSoldier Snow, HoChunk and Meskwaki. The conversation was moderated by Colorado field organizer Shaina Oliver, Dínéh. Watch the replay.

On October 27, Colorado organizer Shaina Oliver joined a conversation about cumulative pollution with GreenLatinos’ Ean Thomas Tafoya, community organizer Lucy Molina, EarthJustice’s Rebecca Curry, and Environmental Justice Leadership Forum’s Kerene N. Tayloe. They talked about the effects of the refinery, fuel transfer station, concrete facilities, asphalt facility, recycling facilities, and Superfund sites on air, water, and soil quality in Commerce City and Denver and potential federal policy solutions.

On October 26, field organizers Shaina Oliver and Laurie Anderson, plus Supermoms Lucy Molina and Renêe Millard-Chacon, offered public comment at the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission hearing on the state flaring rulemaking.

On October 21, Colorado field organizer Shaina Oliver joined Colorado Sierra Club, Environment Colorado, Physicians for Social Responsibility Colorado, and Conservation Colorado for a webinar explaining building electrification. She brought an equity lens to the panel discussion of why Colorado needs to electrify buildings and homes and what you can do to prepare.

Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Advocate and Moms Clean Air Force Colorado organizer Shaina Oliver joined Green Team Academy for a live podcast episode on October 20. Shaina shared how anyone can make a difference by testifying at hearings and understanding how regulations from different commissions impact air quality. Watch the replay.

Moms Clean Air Force celebrated Indigenous Peoples’ Day with a moving conversation about motherhood and our connection to the Earth from the perspective of three Indigenous mothers. The discussion featured Colorado organizer and Navajo Nation member Shaina Oliver, Stephanie Badsoldier Snow of the Meskwaki Nation in Iowa, and Great Grandmother Mary Lyons. Our Iowa organizer Karin Stein moderated. The women talked about how motherhood changed them, how motherhood is celebrated in their communities, and how they work to protect the earth for future generations. Watch the replay.

On October 8, Colorado field organizers Shaina Oliver and Laurie Anderson participated in the Children’s Environmental Health Day livestream.

On October 7, Moms Clean Air Force chapters in Colorado and New Mexico hosted watch parties for the vice presidential debate.

September 2020

On September 9, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado teamed up with Mountain Mamas to present an important webinar on air pollution from oil and gas infrastructure and its impacts on our children’s health and climate. Panelists included Colorado field organizers Laurie Anderson and Shaina Oliver, Mountain Mamas’ Jen Clanahan, and Physicians for Social Responsibility’s Dr. Cory Carroll. Watch the webinar here.

Colorado moms joined Moms Clean Air Force members across the country to testify in EPA’s virtual hearing on its proposal to retain the current National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Ground-Level Ozone. Moms Clean Air Force Colorado organizers Shaina Oliver and Laurie Anderson and a volunteer from Commerce City urged EPA to follow the science and strengthen the existing rule.

August 2020

Colorado field organizer Shaina Oliver hosted a Northeast Denver Metro community discussion on August 23. Discussion focused on the EPA Ground-Level Ozone NAAQS hearing registration deadline, census counting, voter registration, and the public comment period for Regulation Number 7 on emissions from oil and gas facilities. Watch the video here.

On August 13, Congressman Raul Ruiz joined Moms Las Vegas organizer Cinthia Moore, Arizona State Representative Raquel Terán, and Mi Familia Vota’s Salvador Hernandez for an EcoMadres panel discussion on overlapping concerns in the Latino community around immigration, health, and our environment. With the full restoration of DACA in limbo along with 100 environmental rollbacks that weaken our clean air protections and public health made more fragile by COVID-19, the stakes could not be higher. The panel was moderated by Emilia Pablo, host of “Desde Nevada.” Watch the video here.

On August 11, Congresswoman Diana DeGette joined Colorado field organizers Shaina Oliver and Laurie Anderson and moms and children from Colorado’s 1st District to discuss air pollution, climate change, and how the congresswoman is working to protect our families from these threats that impact health and well-being as part of our 2020 Stay In and Speak Out for Climate Action. Watch the video here.

July 2020

Denver field organizer Shaina Oliver joined Moms Clean Air Force organizers from across the country to offer comment in a meeting with OMB officials on the EPA’s proposed National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ground-level ozone on July 8. Denver is ranked tenth for worst ground-level ozone pollution in the US according to the American Lung Association.

June 2020

On June 27, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado joined 350 Colorado and partners to demand that elected officials act immediately to implement a JUST Transition for American workers. We all deserve to breathe easier, and we must act now to preserve the planet for our children. The transition to a clean energy economy is an opportunity for our country to take a global leadership role in fighting climate change, while creating millions of good jobs and strengthening the BIPOC and low-income communities facing the worst effects of the climate crisis in the process.

On June 25, Colorado field organizers Laurie Anderson and Shaina Oliver joined Moms Clean Air Force organizers from across the country to offer comment in a meeting with OMB officials on the EPA’s proposed methane rule.

On June 18, Colorado organizers Laurie Anderson and Shaina Oliver provided public comment at the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission hearing on Regulation 7. The AQCC voted to move forward with the rulemaking, which includes the broader scope for frequency of monitoring, required pollutants, and public disclosure of data.

Organizer Laurie Anderson gave a presentation on oil and gas pollution for a virtual 350 Denver meeting on June 11.

May 2020

The Northeast Denver Metro Community Discussion on May 31 featured James Skeet, tribal member of the Navajo Nation and organizer for Covenant Pathways. Skeet spoke about regenerative agriculture. Watch the video here.

Colorado moms joined Moms Clean Air Force members across the country to testify in the EPA’s virtual hearing on its proposal to retain the current National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Particulate Matter. Colorado organizers Laurie Anderson and Shaina Oliver and two Colorado supermoms testified in favor of following science and strengthening the existing rule.

Organizer Shaina Oliver hosted biweekly Northeast Denver Metro Community Discussions. On May 17, Organizer Laurie Anderson joined to discuss oil and gas impacts on her community in Broomfield, Colorado. The discussion also included updates from Ean Tafoya of GreenLatinos, Kristi Douglas of North Range Concerned Citizens, Lucy Molina of Physicians for Social Responsibility, and Adams County Commissioner Steve O’Dorisio. Watch the video here.

Colorado organizers Shaina Oliver and Laurie Anderson participated in the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission’s public hearing on a series of rulemakings to adopt the next generation of methane and air pollution standards from the oil and gas industry. She argued that these protections are critical for cleaning up the air our children breathe and addressing climate change.

Moms Clean Air Force Colorado hosted a Mother’s Day Virtual Action Tea Party with singing and kids’ crafts. Watch the video here.

Colorado organizer Shaina Oliver participated in a virtual community discussion of air pollution’s effects on environmental justice communities.

April 2020

On Earth Day, Colorado field organizer Shaina Oliver was invited as a guest speaker on Colorado House candidate Kyra Storojev’s weekly meetup. Shaina shared her perspective as an indigenous person.

December 2019

Members of Moms Clean Air Force testified at the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) public hearings to urge the state to adopt stronger oil and gas pollution and ozone smog pollution standards. Moms’ powerful testimonies made this message loud and clear: We want to protect Colorado’s children from air pollution and climate change.

October 2019

Members of Moms Clean Air Force from around the country, including Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas, testified in Dallas at the only public hearing on the EPA’s New Source Performance Standards for the Oil and Natural Gas Industry. Moms spoke out against the EPA’s plan to weaken methane pollution standards. Read more here.

July 2019

Members of Moms Clean Air Force Colorado attended the sixth annual Play-In for Climate Action on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.

March 2019

On March 18, 2019, members of Moms Clean Air Force Colorado traveled to Washington, DC to testify in support of the lifesaving Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) at EPA’s hearing on their proposal to undermine MATS.

January 2019

Moms Clean Air Force, EcoMadres, and our friends at Mister G teamed up for “Mister G’s Econiños,” a pop-up celebration in Denver.

Moms Clean Air Force volunteer, Julie met with her members of Congress in D.C. to communicate on the dangerous nomination of Andrew Wheeler to head EPA. On January 16, 2019, Moms Clean Air Force members (including kids!) attended Wheeler’s nomination hearing to make it clear that as an ex-coal lobbyist, Wheeler is unfit to run EPA. View photos from the meetings and hearing here.

December 2018

Moms Clean Air Force attended and presented at Family Day at the Americas Latino Eco Festival.

November 2018

Moms Clean Air Force members testified in support of strong methane protections at an EPA hearing in Denver.

September 2018

Moms Clean Air Force Colorado field organizer, Christine Berg spoke up against speeding up the permitting process for some oil and gas wells on public lands at a meeting in Lakewood.

Field organizer, Christine Berg gave a brief presentation and spoke on a panel at the “Prelude to the Latino EcoFestival, Climate Solidarity: Powering Cultural and Ecological Resilience” event.

August 2018

Moms Clean Air Force Colorado joined Defend Our Future, Conservation Colorado, and the CO Health Institute for a press conference focused on wildfires and encouraging lawmakers to connect the growing number of fires with climate change.

May 2018

Moms Clean Air Force Colorado hosted a Mama Summit in Aurora, working with local officials to build a healthier, safer, and cleaner Aurora for the sake of our kids.

March 2018 

Members of Moms Clean Air Force Colorado testified at the Clean Power Plan listening session in Gillette, WY.

February 2018

Field organizer, Christine Berg served on a panel discussion during a screening of Chasing Coral.

Moms Clean Air Force Colorado members testified at the Public Utilities Commission in favor of closing two coal-fired power plants; decreasing air pollution and moving toward a more sustainable energy future in Colorado!

January 2018

Moms Clean Air Force Colorado testified at the Colorado Oil and Gas Commission hearing on new permits.

Moms Clean Air Force Colorado participated in the Women’s March in Denver.

November 2017

Moms Clean Air Force Colorado attended and spoke at the National Day of Climate Action in Denver.

October 2017

Moms Clean Air Force Colorado members gave testimony at Colorado’s Air Quality Control Commission as they consider whether to strengthen air pollution standards for oil and gas operations.

Moms Clean Air Force Colorado participated in an Oil and Gas Threat Map Press Conference highlighting the advent of 500 new wells in a 4×6 mile area that includes an elementary, middle and high school. An impacted mom and high school student spoke about air pollutants and safety concerns.

September 2017

Moms Clean Air Force Colorado traveled to Washington, DC to meet with lawmakers and urge them to protect EPA’s budget.

August 2017

Moms Clean Air Force Colorado attended “Moving Forward: Beyond Paris” with Congresswoman Diana DeGette and Conservation Colorado.

Moms Clean Air Force Colorado attended a Suncor public hearing in Commerce City.

July 2017

In partnership with Sierra Club and the 100% Campaign, Moms Clean Air Force Colorado hosted a letter-writing party in Stapleton for families to write letters and kids to color postcards urging Denver Mayor Hancock to commit to 100% renewable by 2030.

Moms Clean Air Force Colorado met with Senator Bennet in Washington, DC during the 2017 Play-In for Climate Action.

June 2017

Moms Clean Air Force Colorado attended the League of Oil and Gas Impacted Coloradoans Citizens Policy Summit.

Moms Clean Air Force Colorado tabled at the Colorado Latino Festival.

May 2017

Moms Clean Air Force partnered with Together We Will Colorado to host a “Lunchtime Meet and Greet” to thank EPA Employees at the Region 8 Headquarters in Denver.

April 2017

Moms Clean Air Force Colorado attended the Peoples Climate March in Denver.

March 2017

Moms Clean Air Force Colorado partnered with the League of Oil and Gas Impacted Coloradoans on a legislative advocacy day, which included testimony in favor of a school oil and gas set-back rule.

February 2017

Congressman Jared Polis shared the story of Moms Clean Air Force member, Stacy Lambright on the House of Representatives floor.

January 2017

Moms Clean Air Force Colorado members traveled to Washington, DC to meet with their Senators and urge them to oppose the nomination of Scott Pruitt to head EPA.

December 2016

Moms Clean Air Force Colorado partnered with Conservation Colorado to host a town hall style event with Congresswoman Diana DeGette to highlight work in Colorado including the BLM rule, methane regulations, Rush Creek Wind Project and more.

Moms Clean Air Force Colorado met with staff from Congressman Polis’s office, Senator Gardner’s office, Senator Bennet’s office, Congressman Jared Polis, and Colorado State Senator Matt Jones.

November 2016

Moms Clean Air Force Colorado attended the American Public Health Association Roundtable regarding their “Year in Climate” efforts and met with Susan Pollen, Public Affairs and Advocacy Executive Director to see how Moms Clean Air Force can partner statewide and nationally on their public policy campaign to build awareness around climate change and its impact on public health.

September 2016

Moms Clean Air Force Colorado organizer Christine Berg hosted a press event with State Representative Joe Salazar, Thornton Councilman, Josh Zygielbaum, community leaders, and concerned parents to discuss the public health threat to Denver Metro Area residents, and Latino communities in particular, of oil and gas operations. The event took place at a neighborhood park next to a well site that had recently leaked.

August 2016

Moms Clean Air Force Colorado hosted a hike with Colorado Lt. Governor Donna Lynne in Boulder. Participants hiked Sawhill Ponds Trailhead, a gentle 1.8 mile hike full of ponds and wildlife.

July 2016

Field organizer, Christine Berg hosted an event on methane and the threat map.

Colorado Supermom, Anne Ekblad, spoke at a telepress conference on the new methane threat map.

May 2015

Moms Clean Air Force Colorado hosted a Mama Summit in Denver.

July 2014

Members of Moms Clean Air Force Colorado attended and testified at an EPA Clean Power Plan hearing in Denver.

2023

• Daily Camera, Award-winning Superior Girl Scout troops to celebrate with community educational event
• The Denver Post, Colorado Democrats weaken oil and gas permitting bill after facing opposition from Gov. Jared Polis
• EarthJustice, Protecting Communities From Air Pollution Act to Tackle Colorado’s Ozone Problem
• Press release, Colorado Clean Air Advocates Discuss EPA-Funded Air Quality Monitoring Project
• The Colorado Sun, Suncor will finally reopen after a 3-month closure. But will anything change for its neighbors?
• Journal-Advocate, What happens if Suncor’s Colorado refinery closes? Less pollution, loss of jobs and tax revenue — and a big cleanup.
• The Fort Morgan Times, What happens if Suncor’s Colorado refinery closes? Less pollution, loss of jobs and tax revenue — and a big cleanup.
• Times-Call, What happens if Suncor’s Colorado refinery closes? Less pollution, loss of jobs and tax revenue — and a big cleanup.
• The Denver Post, What happens if Suncor’s Colorado refinery closes? Less pollution, loss of jobs and tax revenue — and a big cleanup.
• The Denver Post, Letters: Stronger permits needed to curb pollution at Suncor
• Press release, Suncor Refinery Spills Toxic Pollution into Surrounding Community, Again. Indigenous Rights Advocate, Mom Responds

2022

• Denver 7, Environmental advocates call for state to take stronger actions to improve Colorado’s air quality
• Press release, Colorado Moms Welcome EPA Funding for Community Air Monitoring Projects
• Latinaology, EcoMadres in action: Colorado Moms Breathe Easier as EPA awards Electric School Bus funding to 4 School Districts
• Press release, Colorado Moms Breathe Easier as EPA awards Electric School Bus funding to 4 School Districts in the State
• The Colorado Springs Gazette, Denver advocates call for action against methane emissions
• Colorado Politics, Denver advocates call for action against methane emissions
• The Denver Gazette, Denver advocates call for action against methane emissions
• 9 NEWS, Moms unite to change climate justice approach
• The Colorado Sun, Air pollution hurts baby “gut biome,” Colorado study shows
• Greater Park Hill Community, September Letters To The Editor
• Parent Nation, Laurie Anderson: Fighting For Clean Air And The Children Who Breathe It
• AOL, ‘It’s not tolerable anymore’: Southwest residents endure more severe heat waves thanks to climate change
• Yahoo! News, ‘It’s not tolerable anymore’: Southwest residents endure more severe heat waves thanks to climate change
• Honest Columnist, The Suncor We Don’t Hear About
• The Tyee, The Suncor We Don’t Hear About
• E&E News, Community methane monitoring fills gaps left by EPA
• Colorado Sun, How Colorado’s changing climate is putting children’s health at risk
• Earthjustice, Planta del Oeste de Suncor en Colorado Requiere Permiso de Calidad del Aire Más Estricto, Piden Grupos
• Earthjustice, Groups Call for Strongest Possible Air Quality Permit for Suncor West Plant
• VoyageDenver, Rising Stars: Meet Shaina Oliver
• KSJD, Plugging Methane Leaks Key to Improving CO Air Quality
• Public News Service, Plugging Methane Leaks Key to Improving CO Air Quality
• Press Release, Mom in eastern Colorado speaks out against “business as usual” by oil and gas operators as wildfire threatens her home
• FOX 31, Perlmutter, advocates call for better heavy-duty vehicle pollution standards
• Denver Post, Opinion: The EPA can reject Suncor’s pollution permit for Plant 2
• Press Release, EPA Restores State Authority to Limit Tailpipe Pollution and Protect Public Health, Allowing 17 States and DC to Lead on Cleaner Cars, Climate Action, and Environmental Justice
• Solutions, The Frontline Advocate: Shaina Oliver
• Denver Gazette, Local leaders call on U.S. Senate to pass Build Back Better Act

2021

• Colorado Sun, Opinion: To reduce ozone, cut emissions at the source
• Real Vail, Polis signs into law the Colorado Outdoor Equity Grant Program
• Press Release, Moms Speak Up at EPA Listening Sessions for Methane Rulemaking, Voicing Need for Federal Methane Pollution Protections
• Colorado Sun, Suncor Refinery’s bid for new permit gets rough hearing
• CPR, Commerce City Nonprofit Wins Suncor Energy Fine Money, Will Use It To Monitor Suncor Energy
• Truthout, 90% of the World Breathes Polluted Air. Symbolic Emission Targets Aren’t Enough.
• ABC News, How Environmental Racism Continues to Affect Communities of Color
• Good Morning America, How Environmental Racism Continues to Affect Communities of Color
• Westworld, Things to Do to Celebrate Earth Day
• Press Release, 30+ CO Advocates Respond to CDPHE Draft Climate Equity Framework: Open letter offers feedback on draft framework and makes recommendations to ensure equitable climate planning process and outcomes
• Press Release, US Senators Working to Protect Communities from Oil and Gas Methane Pollution
• Press Release, Moms Clean Air Force Statements on the Confirmation of Deb Haaland to Lead Interior: Role inspires hope for climate leadership in those who know her work up close
• Indian Country Today, President Biden must confirm climate crisis affecting Indigenous communities
• Fort Morgan Times, Fecal matter elevated in South Platte River as Denver fights state health agency over water pollution
• Journal-Advocate, Fecal matter elevated in South Platte River as Denver fights state health agency over water pollution
• Brush News-Tribune, Fecal matter elevated in South Platte River as Denver fights state health agency over water pollution
• Denver Post, Fecal matter elevated in South Platte River as Denver fights state health agency over water pollution
• Press Release, Moms Clean Air Force Applauds Colorado’s Leadership Cutting Methane from Oil and Gas Pneumatic Devices
• Montrose Daily Press, Colorado finalizes ‘roadmap’ for tackling greenhouse gas pollution
• The Longmont Leader, Colorado finalizes ‘roadmap’ for tackling greenhouse gas pollution
• Colorado Newsline, Colorado finalizes ‘roadmap’ for tackling greenhouse gas pollution
• Press Release, We know the problems and we have solutions, but Colorado government isn’t listening: Frontline communities say the Governor’s GHG Roadmap doesn’t go far enough

2020

• Daily Camera, Boulder County completes adoption of new oil and gas development regulations
• Pagosa Daily Post, Boulder County Approves New Fracking Rules
• Press Release, Moms Clean Air Force Applauds Colorado’s Leadership in Eliminating Routine Flaring from Oil and Gas Operations
• Daily Camera, Elizabeth Moura: Air pollution: Weiser is fighting for us
• Colorado Sun, Opinion: William Perry Pendley is unfit to manage my Indigenous homelands
• Press Release, Trump’s EPA Guts Oil and Gas Methane Pollution Protections When Colorado’s Families Need Them the Most
• Grist, Sheltering Near Fracking
• Colorado Independent, Pollution protections vitally important during and after coronavirus crisis
• Westword, Driven to Exhaustion: Can Denver End Its Love Affair With the Car?

2019

• Press Release, Moms Clean Air Force Applauds Colorado for Adopting Stronger Oil and Gas Air Pollution Rules to Protect Families’ Health and the Climate
• Press Release, Moms Clean Air Force Calls for Stronger Protections from Oil and Gas Air Pollution
• Dallas Morning News, Feelings of ‘despair’: Climate change activists testify against EPA plans to roll back methane emissions standards
• Press Release, Colorado Moms Testify Against Trump’s Plan to Gut Critical EPA Methane Safeguards for Families
• Los Angeles Times, Colorado invites EPA to lower its air quality rating
• PBS News Hour, Colorado asks EPA to lower state’s air rating
• AP News, In a twist, Colorado asks EPA to lower state’s air rating
• Press Release, Moms Clean Air Force Opposes Trump’s Plan to Gut Critical EPA Methane Safeguards for Colorado Families
• Press Release, CO Families Join Members of Congress on Capitol Hill as Part of Sweeping Movement for Climate Solutions
• Daily Camera, Jen Clanahan and Christine Berg: Celebrate Father’s Day and the governor’s move to a more sustainable future
• Public News Service, New Bill Would Curb Methane Pollution from Oil and Gas
• Press Release, Moms Applaud New Bill to Cut Methane and Protect Colorado Families
• Conservation Colorado, Colorado Leaders Applaud Passage of HB 19-1261
• The Rocky Mountain Collegian, Defend Our Future condemns proposed rollback on mercury standards
• The Burlington Record, Letters: Open the door for rent control; Time to act on climate change; Bill St. John; A Denver hero (4/22/19)
• Havasu News, EPA plan to ease mercury standards raises ire of moms’ group, activists
• Public News Service, Moms Not Backing Down Over EPA Mercury Pollution Proposal
• Colorado Politics, OPINION | Pending pick for EPA chief is bad for kids, bad for Colorado
• CBS Denver, Colorado’s First Gentleman Visits Nonprofit Urban Farm
• Public News Service, Colorado Moms Weigh In on Trump’s EPA Nominee

2018

• Aurora Sentinel, Moms step on the global warming gas
• EcoWatch, Why Aren’t School Buses Electric? These Coloradans Are Sick of Diesel
• The Denver Post, Denver ground zero for public airing of Trump administration’s proposed rollback of methane rules
• WTOP, Trump panel wants changes in royalties from public oil, gas
• Aspen Daily News, Trump panel wants changes in royalties from public oil, gas
• CNBC, Trump panel wants changes in royalties from public oil, gas
• The Missoulian, Trump panel wants changes in royalties from public oil, gas
• Las Vegas Sun, Trump panel wants changes in royalties from public oil, gas
• Albany Democrat Herald, Trump panel wants changes in royalties from public oil, gas
• The Register Herald, Trump panel wants changes in royalties from public oil, gas
• Press Release, NEW REPORT: Trump Administration Attacks on Methane Safeguards Threaten Rural and Urban Families, Adds to Pollution Burden of Vulnerable Populations
• Governors’ Biofuels Coalition, Colo. toughens car rules
• We Got the Funk, 5 Ways YOU Can Promote Air Quality with Moms Clean Air Force
• Peace But Not Quiet, 5 Ways to Improve Your Air Quality Right Now
• Aurora TV, Mama Summit Proclamation
• Denver Parent, Guest post: Harnessing the Power of Moms to Change the World
• Mile High Mamas, Honoring Mother’s Day by Taking Action
• Black Hills Fox KEVN, People in Gillette speak out on proposal to repeal the Clean Power Plan
• Wyoming Public Media, Hundreds Gather To Debate The Clean Power Plan, Future Of Coal
• Colorado Politics, Q&A with Christine Berg: Proudly progressive Lafayette mayor jousts with oil and gas

2017

• Denver Post, State pressured to reduce Front Range smog caused by oil and gas producers
• CBS News 4 Denver, Groups Rally For Oil & Gas Operation Changes
• Environment Guru, Annual festival reinforces strong Latino connection to the environment
• Boulder Daily Camera, Tekla Ayers: Help fight pollution
• Fox 21 News, Colorado Springs group unveils new billboards promoting clean air
• Colorado Politics, Moms Know Best have a billboard message for Colorado Sen. Cory Gardner
• The Gazette, Moms Know Best have a billboard message for Colorado Sen. Cory Gardner
• The Colorado Independent, GUEST POST: Keep on marching for clean air and for kids’ health
• Boulder Daily Camera, Afton Surwillo: No return to dirty energy on my watch
• Colorado Springs Gazette, Criticism of Colorado health department report minimizing oil & gas dangers
• Denver Post, Cardboard Cory Gardner not ideal