Florida

Florida moms advocate for federal funding for electric school buses in our communities.

When Vice President Kamala Harris joined EPA Administrator Michael Regan to announce the opening of EPA Clean School Bus Program funding in May 2022, Moms Clean Air Force was there. And we have hit the ground running to spread the word about this funding in Florida.

Our work has made a difference. EPA has announced that there was so much interest in its Clean School Bus Program they will distribute nearly double the amount they had original planned for 2022. In October, EPA will award $965 million to school districts across the country to purchase electric buses with zero tailpipe emissions, and over the next five years, they’ll distribute an additional $4.35 billion.

In Florida, more than 18,000 fossil-fuel-powered school buses transport a half million children to school every day. On these bus rides, our schoolchildren are breathing in harmful diesel pollution that can trigger asthma attacks, interfere with lung development, increase the risk of cancer, and even reduce children’s ability to learn.

Florida’s kids deserve clean air, good health, and cost-effective school transportation.

Florida 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 Florida 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 Florida coordinator Gabriella Da Silva offered testimony.

Florida parents fight construction of a gas station across the street from G. W. Carver Elementary School — and win.

In January 2022, the city of Coral Gables announced it would reconsider plans to build a six-pump Wawa gas station across the street from Carver Elementary School. The announcement came after a group of Carver parents and concerned community members, called the Gables Accountability Project, sued the city government for bypassing public input on the construction project.

Florida moms supported the Gables Accountability Project with information about the potential impacts of air pollution from the proposed gas station on local students and the surrounding historically Black community. We applaud the parents who stepped up to hold their government accountable and secured this win for environmental justice.

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

Moms Clean Air Force Florida 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 Florida organizers Gabriella Da Silva and Yaritza Perez offered testimony.

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

In June 2021, Florida 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 Florida organizers Yaritza Perez and Gabriella Da Silva offered testimony. Yaritza spoke to the impact of oil and gas methane pollution on Latino communities:

“There are close to 2 million Latinos living within a half mile of existing oil and gas facilities. Due to high levels of poverty, low levels of health insurance, and lack of access to adequate health care, Latinos are disproportionately burdened by the health impacts from methane and other air pollution…. We are literally living in environments and communities that are toxic and full of contaminants that are harmful to our children’s lungs. We owe it to our children and to their future. We owe it to ourselves. We owe it to our parents and grandparents who sacrificed so much for us to be here.”

Read Yaritza’s full testimony HERE.

Gabriella offered her perspective as a Floridian:

“Living in Florida, we don’t see oil and gas operations much, like other states do, but we do see the impacts of a warming planet caused by methane pollution. Methane has more than 80 times the warming power of carbon dioxide. When Floridians think of methane, we think of more extreme heat days. We think of warming oceans and the bleaching of our coral reef ecosystems. We think of sea-level rise and the threat of saltwater intrusion into our drinking water. We think of severe storms and hurricanes, causing power outages, flooding, and costly recovery. Climate change is already impacting our families and communities in Florida.”

Read Gabriella’s full testimony HERE.

Florida 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 Florida 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 Florida organizers Gabriella Da Silva and Yaritza Perez offered testimony.

Gabriella described the urgency for action to reduce transportation pollution in her hometown of Tampa:

The American Lung Association’s “State of the Air” report, released in April, found that our county, Hillsborough County, received a grade of F in ozone pollution, indicating 12 air orange days. The worst grade in the state. That means more asthma attacks, more heart attacks, and more lung infections. This harsh fact is evidence that we need to do more to cut pollution.

Read Gabriella’s full testimony HERE.

Florida moms applaud the introduction of the Community Solar Consumer Choice Act.

On April 22, 2021, Congresswoman Kathy Castor (FL-14) introduced the Community Solar Consumer Choice Act. This legislation would increase access to solar energy across the US for all communities, regardless of income. Moms Clean Air Force Tampa Bay organizer Gabriella Da Silva joined Rep. Castor, Hillsborough County Commissioner Patricia Kemp, and Ann Vanek-Dasovich with the Solar Energy Loan Fund on Earth Day for a virtual press conference to announce the bill.

In her remarks, Gabriella focused on the needs of underserved communities in Tampa that breathe significantly more air pollution and have higher rates of asthma and other respiratory diseases. These same communities are also suffering from extreme heat, hurricanes, flooding, and sea-level rise. Increasing access to clean energy with community solar programs could address all these problems by reducing air pollution and its health impacts and lessening our reliance on the fossil fuels that contribute to climate change.

Gabriella drove these points home in her remarks:

“Community solar is a testament to how interconnectedness brings about progress and how we need one another. The only way we move forward, is together. This bill would mean Tampa and Florida families would depend less on fossil fuels. This bill would mean cleaning up our air here in Tampa so that our kids can go outside with no worry. This bill would mean Tampa families could afford to keep their air conditioning running as we continue to have more dangerous heat days. This bill would mean putting a system in place that looks out for all of our communities.”

Watch the press conference HERE.

Florida moms applaud the Orlando Utilities Commission’s decision to transition the Stanton Energy Center away from coal.

In October 2020, the Orlando Utilities Commission announced it was beginning the process to transition the Stanton Energy Center away from coal-fired generation. OUC plans to eliminate coal-fired generation by 2027 and move toward net zero carbon emissions by 2050 by investing in solar and energy storage solutions.

Florida moms worked with lawmakers, including Rep. Darren Soto (FL-9), to put pressure on OUC to move this plan forward. In January 2019, OUC was served a class-action lawsuit alleging that toxic pollution from the Stanton Energy Center had contaminated local communities’ air and water. Transitioning this facility away from coal will go a long way toward reducing this pollution and ensuring the health of local families.

Florida 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 Florida 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 Florida is continuing to engage in serious and consequential advocacy and outreach during the coronavirus pandemic.

Moms Clean Air Force Florida organizer Yaritza Perez offered testimony.

Moms Clean Air Force helps Florida 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, Florida moms met with Members of Congress across the state to urge them to join as co-sponsors. Moms Clean Air Force Florida thanks Representatives Charlie Crist (FL-13), Lois Frankel (FL-21), Alcee Hastings (FL-20), Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (FL-26), Donna Shalala (FL-27), Darren Soto (FL-09), Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (FL-23), and Frederica Wilson (FL-24) for being among the over 150 original co-sponsors leading on this issue.

Click here to learn more about the bill.

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 has a vibrant network of volunteers in Florida. Cafecitos across the state provide opportunities for communities to discuss air quality and climate change.

Building relationships with Florida’s elected officials.

Through meetings in DC and in district offices across Florida, Moms Clean Air Force has been working to foster relationships with elected officials to take meaningful action on climate. Florida moms are often called on by Congresswoman Kathy Castor, chair of the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, and Congressman Darren Soto to share insight on the most pressing environmental issues in their communities and to participate in events highlighting climate impacts in Florida.

Working with partners to fight for climate justice and equity.

Moms Clean Air Force is working in Florida to expose the impacts of coal, oil, and gas pollution from Tampa Electric Company (TECO) and the Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) on frontline communities. In the fall of 2021, Florida moms supported a series of Toxic Bus Tours, hosted by Sierra Club, through impacted communities along the Tampa coastline, near TECO’s Big Bend coal plant and coal ash ponds. These communities not only are exposed to toxic pollution from coal operations day to day but are also particularly vulnerable to tropical storms and hurricanes. The tours included information about how to effectively organize around fighting climate injustices.

Working to transition Florida’s school bus fleets to electric.

Millions of children still ride diesel-powered school buses, exposing them to harmful diesel pollution that can trigger asthma attacks and interfere with their ability to learn. Florida moms have hit the road to build support for clean, electric school buses. Together with Chispa Florida, we are working with local school districts to transition their bus fleets to all-electric, and we’re calling for federal funding to upgrade old school buses with better technology to reduce children’s exposure to harmful diesel exhaust and climate pollution.

In Hillsborough County, Florida moms are building support for electric school buses among school board members and HCPS administration officials. Hillsborough County is the third-largest school district in Florida, with more than 200,000 students, and has a fleet of more than 1,200 buses. Replacing Hillsborough’s old diesel fleet with all-electric school buses will go a long way toward cleaning up the air and keeping Tampa’s kids healthy.

Learn more about electric school buses HERE.

Moms & Mayors

Our Moms & Mayors program connects moms with their mayors and local leaders to improve children’s health and build resilient communities. We educate, empower and mobilize moms in their hometowns to work with their local elected leaders to implement clean air strategies, reduce toxins in the community, and take action on climate change. We also train moms to join boards and commissions and urge them to run for office.

Our homes and communities are at risk from climate change.

Florida families are already seeing the impacts of climate change. In October 2018, Floridians braced for one of the costliest and most destructive hurricanes to make landfall in the US in the last 50 years—with little time to prepare. Hurricane Michael rapidly moved from a Category 1 to a Category 4 “worst-case scenario” storm, leaving widespread destruction across the Panhandle in its wake.

But hurricanes are not the only climate impact Florida families face. As global temperatures rise, sea-level rise poses a significant risk to coastal communities. By the end of the century, about one million Florida homes may be impacted by sea-level rise—the highest number of any state. Additionally, sea-level rise will lead to increased flooding, which could cost Florida residents more than $100 million in property taxes by 2030. By 2045, that number could grow to almost $350 million lost.

Sea-level rise is already driving the gentrification and displacement of communities of color and economically vulnerable communities in Miami because of greater demand for development in more elevated areas.

More Floridians will die from heat-related deaths.

Extreme heat events are also having devastating impacts on Florida communities. Nearly 30 Florida residents died from heat-related causes in the summer months of 2019. Heat-related deaths are expected to grow as climate change continues to intensify and extreme heat events become more frequent. This will have a disproportionate impact on the large elderly population in Florida, as well as on low-income people and communities of color who are already disproportionately impacted by these extreme heat events. With temperatures on the rise, heat-caused deaths in the state of Florida are expected to be higher than deaths caused by brain cancer and high cholesterol in the next 20 years.

Our children breathe unsafe air.

According to the American Lung Association’s 2022 State of the Air report, Hillsborough County received an F grade for ozone pollution based on the number of code orange ozone pollution days. Ground-level ozone, also known as smog, irritates the lungs and can cause asthma attacks and other respiratory infections. Florida’s extreme heat also exacerbates unhealthy ozone concentrations.

The cost of cooling and powering our homes is on the rise.

As climate impacts continue to hit Florida communities, households will become increasingly dependent on air conditioning. Already, more than 25% of the state’s energy is used just to operate air conditioning. Because of this increasing reliance on air conditioning, Florida residents could pay an additional $122 per year in electricity bills every year until 2040.

These rising prices will not impact residents equally. In fact, low-income Florida residents already spend 8–10% of their income on electricity—approximately three times what other Florida households pay.

By 2040, households will likely spend an additional $2,500 each in avoidable electricity costs, while businesses on average will be charged an additional $7,500 each in avoidable costs.

Past Events

October 2022

On October 5, Florida Moms attended an EPA listening session about its Clean School Bus Program, which will distribute $5 billion to school districts across the country to transition diesel school buses to all-electric buses.

On October 1, Moms Clean Air Force Florida coordinator Yaritza Perez joined community members to help clean up damage and debris at Infinite Zion Farms in Parramore, a historically Black neighborhood in Orlando, after Hurricane Ian.

September 2022

On September 23, EcoMadres Florida coordinator Yaritza Perez attended the 2022 Youth Climate Strike hosted by IDEAS for UCF at the University of Central Florida. Watch her video.

July 2022

On July 26, Florida Moms joined Chispa Florida and Forth Mobility for a webinar about EPA’s Clean School Bus Program and how Florida school districts can apply for funds to transitions their fleets to zero-pollution electric buses.

May 2022

On May 18, EcoMadres Project Manager Carolina Peña, Iowa coordinator Karin Stein, and Florida coordinator Yaritza Perez joined EDF Inside Solutions for a conversation about the “Women of EcoMadres.” They spoke about their work at the local, state, and federal levels to cut air pollution, slow climate change, and reduce exposure to toxic chemicals.

On May 12, Moms Clean Air Force Florida coordinator Yaritza Perez participated in a press conference in downtown Jacksonville, calling on the federal government to kickstart the transition to clean energy and on EPA to enact the strongest possible air pollution standards to reduce dangerous pollution from power plants and fight climate change. Yaritza was joined at the event by the Sierra Club’s Logan Cross and Susannah Randolph, Solar United Neighbors’ Angela Demonbreun, and Florida Rising’s Christian Gonzalez-Orbegoso. Watch the replay.

April 2022

On April 13, Moms Clean Air Force Florida coordinator Yaritza Perez participated in a press conference outside the Stanton Energy Center in Orlando, calling on EPA to enact the strongest possible Mercury and Air Toxics Standards and cross-state air pollution standards to reduce dangerous pollution from power plants and fight climate change. Yaritza was joined at the event by Florida State Representative Anna V. Eskamani, education advocate Johanna López, the CLEO Institute’s Laura Betts, and the Sierra Club’s Susannah Randolph. Watch the replay.

On April 12, Moms Clean Air Force Florida coordinator Yaritza Perez joined EDF’s VP of Community Engagement Heather McTeer Toney for the first session of a series on Climate Justice hosted by EarthShare. Yaritza shared stories of climate injustice from growing up in Puerto Rico, her exposure as a Marine to climate impacts across the world, and her current grassroots organizing work in Florida.

March 2022

On March 23, Moms Clean Air Force Florida coordinator Gabriella da Silva was honored to present a “Climate Changemaker” Award to Representative Kathy Castor on behalf of the Climate Action Campaign. Rep. Castor leads the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis. She has advocated tirelessly for a healthy climate and environmental justice.

February 2022

On February 28, Florida Moms hosted a virtual conversation with Coral Springs Commissioner Nancy Metayer. Commissioner Metayer talked about her work in the community, Black History Month, and what the Build Back Better Act’s climate provisions mean for Florida. Watch the replay.

On February 24, Moms Clean Air Force Florida 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 Florida coordinator Gabriella Da Silva offered testimony.

January 2022

On January 25, Moms Clean Air Force Florida coordinators Gabriella Da Silva and Yaritza Perez spoke at a press event hosted by Congresswoman Kathy Castor (FL-14) about the climate provisions in the Build Back Better Act. Gabi and Yaritza shared how important significant climate funding and the clean energy transition are in addressing the health and economic impacts of climate change in Florida’s communities, especially our Latino communities. Watch the replay.

On January 20, EcoMadres Florida coordinator Yaritza Perez spoke on a panel at GreenLatinos’ virtual Winter Summit about fighting the devastating impacts of oil and gas extraction on frontline communities.

December 2021

Moms Clean Air Force Florida 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. Florida organizers Gabriella Da Silva and Yaritza Perez offered testimony. Read Gabi’s full testimony here and Yaritza’s full testimony here.

November 2021

On November 22, Moms Clean Air Force Florida joined our partners at EDF Action to deliver thanks to Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy’s office in Orlando. Rep. Murphy joined 220 members of the House to vote yes on the Build Back Better Act with its transformative climate investments on November 19.

On November 6, Moms Clean Air Force and EcoMadres Florida joined Poder Latinx and partners for a virtual community roundtable discussion focused on identifying community feelings, input, and recommendations for energy efficiency, building performance standards, and other environmental justice problems in the City of Orlando.

October 2021

On October 16, Moms Clean Air Force Florida attended Chispa Florida’s Kissimmee Green event at Lakeside State Park. The event was a celebration of Latino Heritage Month and explored opportunities for sustainable development in Kissimmee communities.

On October 15, Moms Clean Air Force Florida participated in a Toxic Bus Tour, press conference, and community roundtable discussion hosted by the Sierra Club’s Florida Chapter in Tampa. The Toxic Bus Tour through Hillsborough County provided an overview of potential impacts on coastal communities from a Category 5 hurricane with predicted 40-foot storm surges. It ended in one of Hillsborough’s oldest and most underserved neighborhoods, Progress Village. During the press conference, speakers, including Congresswoman Kathy Castor and Sierra Club president Ramón Cruz, called for climate solutions and clean energy jobs for Florida. Watch the replay. Finally, the roundtable discussion gave an opportunity for Hillsborough community members to talk through climate solutions with elected officials.

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 13, Moms Clean Air Force Florida met up with EDF Action in Orlando to decorate pumpkins calling for Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy to support the Build Back Better Act.

On October 7, EcoMadres Iowa organizer Karin Stein hosted an upbeat, inspiring Hispanic Heritage Month concert full of Latin music and commentary in Spanish with English subtitles. The concert featured EcoMadres in Arizona, Florida, Iowa, Nevada, and Texas. Watch the replay.

September 2021

On September 24, Florida moms joined Sunrise Plant High Students, Food & Water Action, and the Tampa Bay Climate Alliance for a youth climate rally at Tampa City Hall Plaza.

On September 23, EcoMadres national lead Cinthia Moore, Arizona organizer Columba Sainz, and Florida organizer Yaritza Perez gave a presentation to EDF staff on how they got started, what they are working on, and how having a Latino background shapes and influences clean air and climate work. Watch the replay.

On September 21, Moms Clean Air Force Florida organizer Yaritza Perez joined EDF Action to call on Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy to support the Build Back Better Act and its bold investments in clean energy and transportation. Watch the replay.

August 2021

On August 28, Moms Clean Air Force Florida organizers Yaritza Perez and Gabriella Da Silva joined Tampa Bay Sierra Club and Chispa Florida for a Toxic Bus Tour in Tampa Bay. The bus traveled through Hillsborough County, making stops at potential disaster zones and underserved areas, and tour attendees brainstormed solutions to local environmental justice issues.

On August 22, Moms Clean Air Force Florida joined a pop-up event at Princeton Elementary School in Orlando to celebrate the installation of a new EV charging station there.

July 2021

On July 21, Moms Clean Air Force Florida joined Florida Clinicians for Climate Action for the July installment of their Climate & Health speaker series, focused on Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Climate Change.

On July 19, EcoMadres Florida organizer Yaritza Perez joined PoderLatinx for a park cleanup at La Costa Wetland Park. Watch her reaction and learn how you can get involved here.

June 2021

Florida 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. Florida organizers Yaritza Perez and Gabriella Da Silva offered testimony. Read Yaritza’s testimony here and Gabriella’s here.

On June 2, 2021, Florida field organizers Gabriella Da Silva and Yaritza Perez 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 Gabriella’s testimony.

From June 1 to 4, Moms Clean Air Force Florida organizer Gabriella Da Silva joined Central Florida Climate Action and the Miami Climate Alliance for the first annual Climate Justice Summit. Summit programming emphasized the community’s role in building local power and bringing awareness to local struggles for justice and climate resiliency.

May 2021

On May 27, Moms Clean Air Force Florida organizer Gabriella Da Silva was invited to attend Tampa Mayor Jane Castor’s press conference to unveil the Resilient Tampa plan, a roadmap to strengthen the City of Tampa’s infrastructure in an equitable way.

April 2021

On April 29, Moms Clean Air Force and EcoMadres Florida organizer Yaritza Perez participated in a panel discussion hosted by the Alianza for Progress called Saving Our Planet Starts With You. Yaritza spoke about Moms’ mission to protect our children’s health by bringing awareness to the air pollution and climate change impacts in Florida. Watch the replay.

On Earth Day, Moms Clean Air Force and EcoMadres Florida organizer Gabriella Da Silva joined Congresswoman Kathy Castor, Hillsborough County Commissioner Patricia Kemp, and Ann Vanek-Dasovich with the Solar Energy Loan Fund for a virtual press conference to introduce the Community Solar Consumer Choice Act. Watch the replay.

On April 21, the Moms Clean Air Force Florida team had a conversation with health experts on how the climate crisis makes health disparities worse, especially for low-income communities and communities of color. Dr. Yolanda Whyte and Suzette Boyette joined organizers Yaritza Perez and Gabriella Da Silva for this virtual event as part of Florida Climate Week, sponsored by VoLo Foundation and the City of Orlando.

On April 19, Moms Clean Air Force and EcoMadres Florida organizers Yaritza Perez and Gabriella Da Silva sat down with CHISPA Florida Director Maria Revelles to discuss electric school buses, environmental justice, and Earth Month. Watch the replay.

March 2021

Moms Clean Air Force Florida is partnering with the Florida Clinicians for Climate Action on its 2021 Spring and Summer Speakers Series. The first event in the series was on March 18 and featured Dr. Shahnaz Fatteh speaking on the effects of climate on asthma and allergies.

On March 10, Moms Clean Air Force Florida organizers Gabi Da Silva and Yaritza Perez participated in ReThink Florida Energy’s environmental advocacy day, Reclaiming Florida’s Future for All.

On March 6, Moms Clean Air Force Florida organizer Yaritza Perez, who honorably served more than 10 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, was featured on the Veteran Influencers Podcast. Watch the replay.

On March 1, Moms Clean Air Force Florida organizer Gabriella Da Silva attended the Sustainable Urban Agriculture Coalition meeting and was elected to the coalition’s Board of Directors.

February 2021

On February 4, Moms Clean Air Force Florida field organizers Yaritza Perez and Gabi Da Silva participated in the launch of Chispa Florida and their Clean Buses for Healthy Ninos campaign. Watch the replay.

December 2020

In December, members of Moms Clean Air Force and EcoMadres Florida met with their members of Congress to encourage bold climate action in 2021. Florida moms had meetings with Sen. Marco Rubio, Rep. Stephanie Murphy (FL-06), Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09), Rep. Val Demings (FL-10), and Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14).

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 22, our EcoMadres hosted a powerful discussion on the passion and practicalities of voting in the Latino community. The event was moderated by Iowa field organizer Karin Stein In the first segment of the event, Arizona field organizer Columba Sainz, Nevada field organizer Cinthia Zermeño Moore, and Florida field organizer Yaritza Perez shared stories with Nicole Randall of Corazon Latino about voting and empowering others to vote. In the second segment, EDF’s Esther Sosa and Fair Fight Action’s Jose Morales offered resources and advice for planning your vote and making sure it’s counted this election and in every election. Watch the replay.

On October 11, Texas organizer Catherine Flowers joined Florida organizer Gabi Da Silva, Eugene J. Green Jr. (New Orleans Community Leader), Efrem Jernigan (Founder, Sunnyside Solar Farm), and other surprise guests with the hopes of inspiring future local action during the Climate Reality Project’s 24 Hours of Reality event. Catherine’s talk show-style presentation focused on the local impacts and solutions of the climate crisis in the South, especially as they relate to the extreme disparities throughout communities of color. Watch the replay.

August 2020

On August 6, Moms Clean Air Force, along with EDF and Volo Foundation, hosted a conversation between a climate change advocate and mother of six, and one of Florida’s top doctors to discuss the impacts of climate change on asthma and other health risks children face—especially those living in low-income communities of color. Panelists included Thais Lopez Vogel, founder and trustee of Volo Foundation, and Dr. Shahnaz Fatteh, president of the Broward County Medical Foundation, Allergy Immunology Specialist, and Associate Clinical Professor. The event was moderated by National Field Director Heather McTeer Toney. Watch the Facebook Live video here.

May 2020

Florida 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. Florida organizer Yaritza Perez testified in favor of following science and strengthening the existing rule.

Florida organizer Yaritza Perez joined Moms Clean Air Force Montana for a virtual conversation about the EcoMadres program in Florida.

April 2020

Moms Clean Air Force joined Poder Latinx and partners for an important Earth Day discussion with medical and climate experts about how living in a polluted environment can affect your health and make you more vulnerable to the worst outcomes of Covid-19.

EDF Action hosted Moms Clean Air Force Florida organizer Yaritza Perez for a virtual Coffee Cafe. Yaritza shared what Moms Clean Air Force is working on in Central Florida to advocate for a cleaner environment for moms, veterans, and children.

February 2020

Field Organizer Yaritza Perez participated in a panel discussion titled Civic Action for Clean Air during the Rollins College 15th Annual Summit on Transforming Learning. She spoke about how air pollution affect Latino communities across the state and what activists of all ages can do to help solve the problem.

January 2020

Moms Clean Air Force Florida joined the Florida Conservation Voters for a Picnic in the Park at Goodlet Park in Hialeah, Florida.

December 2019

Florida Organizer Yaritza Perez co-hosted a Picnic in the Park with Alianza, an organization that advocates in Puerto Rican and Latino communities for a more equitable society, in Hialeah, Florida.

November 2019

Moms Clean Air Force Florida held a Mom Power Summit in Kissimmee on November 23 to celebrate the power of mothers in the climate movement and learn how to get more involved in climate action for the future of our children.

October 2019

Florida Organizer Yaritza Perez was invited to speak on behalf of EcoMadres at a press conference focused on environmental justice in Tampa hosted by Congresswoman Castor (FL-14).

Florida Organizer Yaritza Perez attended that Climate Correction 2019 Conference with the VoLo Foundation at the University of Central Florida.

On October 5, Florida Organizer Yaritza Perez tabled at Victory Charter School in Kissimmee, Florida.

September 2019

Moms Organizer Yaritza Perez participated in the Green Encuentros Environmental Symposium. The event, hosted at Valencia Community College, brought together leaders from Puerto Rico and Florida to discuss clean energy and issues around coal ash dumping.

July 2019

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

August 2018

Moms Clean Air Force tabled at MommyCon in Orlando.

July 2018

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

June 2018

Field organizer Karina Castillo participated in a Climate and Health Conversation with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Southeast Florida Climate Change Compact.

May 2018

Field organizer Karina Castillo attended Extreme Weather and Our National Security, and event hosted by the American Security Project.

Moms Clean Air Force Florida attended a Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) gathering in Orlando.

Moms Clean Air Force Florida hosted a Mama Summit in Miami to learn about and celebrate local action on climate change. The press conference included remarks from Field Organizer Karina Castillo and Miami Chief Resilience Officer Jane Gilbert and panel presentations by community leaders, including Zelalem Adefris, Maggie Fernandez, and Caroline Lewis. Moms Clean Air Force received a Certificate of Appreciation for our work in promoting clean air policies and protection of Mother Earth.

April 2018

Moms Clean Air Force Florida tabled at Wynwood Yard Earth Day Festival.

Moms Clean Air Force Florida tabled at an Earth Day event at Brickell City Centre.

Field Organizer Karina Castillo attended a press conference organized by Our Children’s Trust highlighting the group of Florida children suing Governor Scott for his lack of climate action.

Moms Clean Air Force Florida hosted a Climate and Health Summit.

Field organizer Karina Castillo attended an event at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science in Key Biscayne titled Climate Change and What You Can Do About It.

Moms Clean Air Force Florida members met with Congressman Darren Soto at his Kissimmee district office to discuss local pollution in their community.

February 2018

Moms Clean Air Force volunteers and supermoms met with Congressman Brian Mast at his district office in Stuart, Florida, to deliver clean air Valentines.

Field Organizer Karina Castillo served as a panelist at Empowering Capable Climate Communicators. The Empowering Capable Climate Communicators Climate Leadership Symposium is an annual event co-hosted by the University of Miami Department of Geological Sciences and the CLEO Institute.

Moms Clean Air Force Florida attended and tabled at the Florida Asthma Coalition Annual Summit at Nemours Hospital in Orlando.

January 2018

Moms Clean Air Force Florida attended a panel discussion titled How Local Government Is Shaping Climate Resiliency in Southeast Florida.

Moms Clean Air Force Supermoms hosted a house party in Palm City, Florida. At the house party, Field Organizer Karina Castillo spoke about Moms Clean Air Force and local impacts in the area and gave the attendees various actions to take after the house party.

December 2017

Moms Clean Air Force Florida attended the Southeast Regional Climate Change Summit.

November 2017

Field Organizer Karina Castillo testified at an EPA Clean Power Plan hearing held in Charleston, West Virginia.

Moms Clean Air Force and Catholic Climate Covenant hosted a bilingual conversation on Catholic faith, creation, care, and Pope Francis’s encyclical, Laudato Si’, at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Miami.

October 2017

Moms Clean Air Force Florida attended EnCourage Miami: Conservative Climate Leadership hosted by republicEN at Florida International University.

September 2017

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

August 2017

Field Organizer Karina Castillo attended and spoke at a partner event celebrating elected Florida leaders who support the Paris Agreement and action on climate change.

July 2017

Members of Moms Clean Air Force Florida attended the 2017 Play-In for Climate Action and met with members of Senator Rubio’s and Senator Nelson’s staff.

May 2017

Moms Clean Air Force Florida attended and presented at the GreenLatinos Retreat in California.

Moms Clean Air Force Florida spoke on a panel at Climate Change in the New Administration: Why South Florida Should Care, hosted by Impact Strategies and Congressman Alcee Hastings in Fort Lauderdale.

Field Organizer Karina Castillo attended and presented at the Grist50 gathering in New York City. The event united honorees from their 50 under 50 list to work on solutions to combat climate change.

April 2017

Moms Clean Air Force Florida participated in the Miami Peoples Climate March.

Moms Clean Air Force Florida attended the City of Miami and the CLEO Institute Community Climate Forum at Little Haiti Cultural Center.

Moms Clean Air Force Florida participated in the Miami Science March.

Moms Clean Air Force Florida attended a field hearing convened by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and ranking member U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), titled Extreme Weather and Coastal Flooding: What Is Happening Now, What Is the Future Risk, and What Can We Do About It? in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Moms Clean Air Force Florida hosted a Mama Summit in Tallahassee. Parents and concerned citizens united to tell our state leaders that we are paying attention to their actions. It’s time we unite for strong policies that protect the health and welfare of our families!

March 2017

Field Organizer Karina Castillo presented at a meeting for individuals traveling to Tallahassee with Catalyst Miami for Dade Days. Castillo spoke on what health impacts the South Florida region will face in a changing climate.

February 2017

Moms Clean Air Force Florida delivered 47 Clean Air Valentines from children to the Miami offices of Senator Nelson, Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, and Congressman Carlos Curbelo.

Moms Clean Air Force Florida tabled and attended the Florida Asthma Coalition Summit at Valencia College Lake Nona Campus.

January 2017

Moms Clean Air Force Florida attended a GreenLatinos Climate Working Group Meeting.

December 2016

Moms Clean Air Force Florida participated in an Ethnic Media Roundtable event with New America Media.

November 2016

Moms Clean Air Force Florida attended a City of Miami Sea Level Rise Committee meeting.

September 2016

Moms Clean Air Force Florida hosted a Play-In for Climate Action at Westwind Lakes Park.

August 2016

Moms Clean Air Force Florida tabled at MommyCon in Orlando.

June 2016

Moms Clean Air Force Florida hosted a School’s Out Food Drive contributing to the over 4,542 pounds of food collected by Moms Clean Air Force chapters nationwide.

Moms Clean Air Force Florida attended the National Latino Climate Leadership Forum.

Moms Clean Air Force Florida attended a Leadership Summit with Sachamama.

Karina Castillo attended the USCAN Conference in Miami.

May 2016

Moms Clean Air Force Florida attended the GreenLatinos Retreat.

Moms Clean Air Force Florida hosted a Read-In with Congressman Curbelo at Gateway Environmental K-8 Center.

Moms Clean Air Force Florida attended the FAU Arctic Summit: Futures Connected.

Moms Clean Air Force Florida hosted a Mama Summit and press conference in honor of World Asthma Day.

April 2016

Moms Clean Air Force Florida attended a State Senate Hearing on Contamination of Biscayne Bay by FP&L.

Moms Clean Air Force Florida tabled at the National Hispanic Medical Association Annual Joint Conference in Washington, DC.

Moms Clean Air Force Florida tabled at the SFL Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 10th Annual Latino Health & Wellness Expo.

Moms Clean Air Force Florida participated in a Twitter Town Hall with EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy on How Climate Change Impacts the Latino Community.

Moms Clean Air Force Florida tabled at ECO Fair at Hialeah High School.

Moms Clean Air Force Florida attended the Florida State Voices Conference in Orlando.

Moms Clean Air Force Florida attended the LULAC Women’s Conference in Los Angeles.

March 2016

Moms Clean Air Force Florida Supermom Paulette Richards organized a Women’s History Month Climate and the Humanities event.

Moms Clean Air Force Florida participated in the 4th Annual Friends and Family Fun Day, hosted by the Children’s Rehab Network at Miami Gardens.

February 2016

Latino outreach coordinator Karina Castillo presented on a panel titled Social Justice Table Gathering: The Impacts of Climate Change on the Health of Our Communities. The panel was organized by Catalyst Miami and the Earth Ethics Institute at Miami-Dade College Wolfson Campus. Additional co-hosts included the Allegany Franciscan Ministries and Florida CHAIN. The discussion was centered around how climate change will affect public health in South Florida. Specifically, Karina spoke about what climate change means for South Florida, what weather extremes can be expected in our region, and what that means for families in our communities.

January 2016

Moms Clean Air Force Florida attended the Science & Policy Forum on Turkey Point’s Nuclear Expansion at Pinecrest Gardens.

Moms Clean Air Force Florida attended a screening of This Changes Everything and panel discussion at Pinecrest Gardens Banyan Bowl.

Moms Clean Air Force Florida attended the South Florida Anti-Poverty Summit: Climate Resilience and Social Equity.

December 2015

Moms Clean Air Force Florida attended the 7th Annual Southeast Florida Regional Climate Leadership Summit, Key West, Florida.

November 2015

Field Organizer Karina Castillo attended an event at the University of Miami titled The Gathering Threat of Climate Change and Its Implications for Water Security and Sea Level Rise. IPCC representatives and university professors highlighted findings from the most recent report. UN representatives also shared their thoughts on the upcoming COP in Paris.

Moms Clean Air Force Florida attended COSEE’s Miami’s Changing Environment: A Night of Action.

Moms Clean Air Force tabled at EcoFest in Miami.

Moms Clean Air Force Florida attended Orlando Action on Climate Deniers.

Moms Clean Air Force Florida attended the Florida UM/IPCC Conference: Gathering Threat of Climate Change and Implication for Water Security SLR.

October 2015

Moms Clean Air Force Florida members marched in the Miami People’s Climate Movement rally.

April 2015

Moms Clean Air Force Florida tabled at the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Health Expo.

January 2015

Moms Clean Air Force Supermom Nicole Hernandez Hammer sat in the First Lady’s box during the State of the Union address.

October 2014

On October 4, Moms Clean Air Force Florida met with Gina McCarthy in Miami during the King Tide for a sea level rise tour.

On October 5, Moms Clean Air Force Florida hosted a Miami Town Hall on Children’s Health & Climate Change.

2022

• South Florida SunSentinel, Grupos de justicia ambiental piden acción climática a líderes legislativos
• Orlando Sentinel, Grupos de justicia ambiental piden acción climática a líderes legislativos
• Front Page Live, Yaritza Pérez, veterana de guerra y EcoMadre que defendió el país y ahora lucha por el medio ambiente
• Front Page Live, Yaritza Perez: Serving her country again – this time from home
• Atmos, Protecting Our Elders From Hurricane Ian and Beyond
• Press release, Hurricane Ian and Florida: Community Leaders in Orlando, DC, VA Available for Interviews
• La Prensa, Habrá fondos para autobuses escolares eléctricos en Florida
• Got Science?, Las peligrosas fugas de gas y cómo se evitan
• Got Science?, The Danger of Gas Leaks and What Can Be Done
• WOKV, Advocacy groups call on Jacksonville leaders to create stronger protections against pollution
• HipLatina, Latina Moms Are Among More Than a Million Parents Fighting Against Air Pollution
• La Opinión, Los rostros latinos del cambio climático
• Impacto, Lideresas ambientales latinas contra la crisis climática
• Noticias Telemundo, Axios Latino: Pioneras hispanas y latinoamericanas
• WMFE, Rep. Castor and Florida climate activists tout the benefits of the Build Back Better Act
• WUWF, Rep. Castor and Florida climate activists tout the benefits of the Build Back Better Act
• WUSF, Rep. Castor and Florida climate activists tout the benefits of the Build Back Better Act
• Newsweek, I Spent 12 Years in the Marines. The Inaction on Climate Change Shocks Me
• NPR, In Orlando, a mountain of coal ash evades EPA rules. It’s not the only one.
• WMFE, In Orlando, a mountain of coal ash evades EPA rules. It’s not the only one.

2021

• Inside Climate News, Coal Powered the Industrial Revolution. It Left Behind an ‘Absolutely Massive’ Environmental Catastrophe
• Orlando Sentinel, Build Back Better isn’t about politics, it’s about a livable future
• Esto Pasa Aquí: The Show Con Nelson Valentin, Yaritza Perez | Moms Clean Air Force
• The Invading Sea, An open letter to Florida’s newspapers
• Press release, Gov. DeSantis Urged to Declare State of Emergency Due to Red Tide
• Univision Orlando, ¡Despierta Orlando!
• Florida Daily, Kathy Castor Wants Energy Department to Back More Community Solar Power Projects
• WJCT, Kathy Castor Introduces Legislation On Solar Power
• WGCU, Kathy Castor Introduces Legislation On Solar Power
• WUSF, Kathy Castor Introduces Legislation On Solar Power
• News 6, Here’s why residents welcome changes at Orlando’s Stanton Energy Plant

2020

• Orlando Sentinel, As we mark 50 years of Clean Air Act, help is on the way
• Front Page Live, ‘Negligence on behalf of the government’: Yaritza Perez discusses the importance of voting for climate

2019

• Sun-Sentinel, South Florida will bear brunt of climate crisis if state, feds keep ignoring us | Opinion
• Tampa Dispatch, Kathy Castor: ‘Higher temperatures have real world impacts right here in the Tampa area’
• Miami Herald, South Florida will bear the brunt of climate crisis if the state, feds, keep ignoring us | Opinion
• Press Release, FL Moms Join Members of Congress on Capitol Hill as Part of Sweeping Movement for Climate Solutions
• Univision, El cambio climático, una realidad para veteranos y nuestras familias
• The Miami Times, Black women, demand safer air
• PBS, Do We Still Need the Clean Air Act?
  

2018

• Spectrum Bay News 9, OUC Looks at Energy Future, Including Closing Coal Plants
• Orlando Sentinel, Orlando’s utility to consider shuttering its coal plants
• Union of Concerned Scientists, Chronic Flooding and the Future of Miami
• The Marjorie, Florida’s Environment: 5 Moms Giving Back
• The Mama Bird Diaries, moms + mayors: an unstoppable force to protect the environment
• WLRN, South Florida Moms Celebrate Mother’s Day By Discussing Climate Change
• Our Climate Voices, Karina Castillo | Miami, Florida
• Tallahassee Democrat, 25 Women: Cara Fleischer motivates others to raise their voices
• ABC 27, Government shutdown impacted Tallahassee residents, employees

2017

• Deutsche Welle, Activists voice opposition to Obama climate plan repeal in coal country
• Courthouse News, Scores Turn Out In Coal Country to Air Views on Clean Power Plan’s End
• Xinhua Net, Feature: Rising sea levels cause trouble for Miami communities, threaten to get worse
• The Washington Times, Mothers, children rally on Capitol Hill for cleaner air
• Gray DC, Florida mom comes to DC to fight climate change
• Sun-Sentinel, We can address climate change with or without president | Letters
• Dayna Reggero, florida filming rep. carlos curbelo
• E&E News, An endangered Republican’s quest to whip votes, win allies
• El Venezolano Newspaper Miami, Comunidades del sur de Florida se ven afectadas por cambio climático
• Tallahassee Democrat, Keep moving forward after the marches end
• WUSF Public Media, Arctic Council Report A Wake Up Call For Florida
• Sun-Sentinel, Experts see climate change peril for South Florida’s black and Hispanic communities
• Public Now, **MEDIA ADVISORY** Hastings To Participate In Climate Change Town Hall
• Miami Diario, Miami se suma a marchas contra escepticismo climático de Trump (+Fotos)
• Tallahassee Democrat, Letter: Protect our children, not polluters
• Grist, Karina Castillo organizes those with the most to lose
• Sun-Sentinel, Trump’s EPA nominee not good for Florida families | Opinion
• Public News Service, Florida Moms Rally Against EPA Nominee

2016

• Undark Magazine, Mobilizing Green Latinos
• City Lab, The Realities of Sea-Level Rise in Miami’s Low-Income Communities
• Univision, ASÍ SE SIENTE EL AUMENTO DEL NIVEL DEL MAR EN LOS BARRIOS MÁS POBRES DE MIAMI
• Union of Concerned Scientists, Scientist in the Field: On the Ground in Flooded Florida Neighborhoods
• WFSU, Mother/Daughter Lobbying Team Hit Capitol Hill
• Tampa Bay Times, Saturday’s letters: Progress on chemical safety
• Sun Sentinel, Fight for cleaner air
• E&E Publishing, ‘Noah’s Ark approach’ and coastal flooding win GOP converts
• Caribbean Today, TACOLCY HOSTS COMMUNITY CLIMATE FORUM
• Miami Herald, Clean power plan

2015

• WWFE La Poderosa, Radio Clip
• Caribbean Digital Network, MARCHA NACIONAL CONTRA EL CAMBIO CLIMÁTICO LLEGA A MIAMI
• NBC News, 5 Questions: Latina Climate Scientist On Carbon Emissions Rule
• The Christian Science Monitor, Climate change crusade goes local
• NBC 6 South Florida, News Clip
• Miami Herald, Staying afloat amid climate change
• New York Times, Climate Change Is of Growing Personal Concern to U.S. Hispanics, Poll Finds
• Univision, Un palco de invitados con mucho mensaje
• Univision, Obama pedirá una economía que genere oportunidades para la clase media
• Herald-Tribune, A lot of Florida storylines in tonight’s State of the Union Address
• Savannah Morning News, 5 goals from Obama’s 2014 State of the Union
• Bustle, Michelle Obama’s State Of The Union Guest List Includes An Astronaut, A Chicago Teenager & More
• Baltimore Sun, Catherine Pugh, Alan Gross to sit with Michelle Obama at State of the Union address
• Climate for Health, HOW TO ENGAGE A DIVERSE SET OF RACIAL AND ETHNIC GROUPS IN CLIMATE SOLUTIONS
• Las Americas, Primera Dama invita a climatóloga hispana Nicole Hernández a la presentación del Estado de la Unión
• El Tiempo Latino, Rostro humano a la lucha para mejorar el ambiente
• El Nuevo Herald, Científica hispana fue invitada de la primera dama al discurso presidencial
• La Raza, Activista de Florida quiere reclutar a latinos a lucha por medio ambiente
• World News Network, Activista de Florida quiere reclutar a latinos a lucha por medio ambiente
• La Prensa, Activista de Florida quiere reclutar a latinos a lucha por medio ambiente
• El Mensajero, Activista de Florida quiere reclutar a latinos a lucha por medio ambiente
• La Opinion, Activista de Florida quiere reclutar a latinos a lucha por medio ambiente
• El Diario, Activista de Florida quiere reclutar a latinos a lucha por medio ambiente
• ¡Hola! Arkansas, FIRST LADY INVITES DREAMER, HISPANICS TO STATE OF THE UNION
• U.S. News, Students Interview Scientists, Astronauts at White House ‘State of STEM’ Event
• Inside Climate News, A Defiant Obama Asserts Climate Agenda With Firmness and Mockery
• Associated Press, 8 who wrote Obama letters to attend State of Union
• WSVN, Members of South Florida community invited to attend State of the Union
• Latin Post, State of the Union 2015 Guests: DACA Recipient, Cuban Dissidents to Attend State of the Union Address
• Miami Herald Blog, Alan Gross to sit with Michelle Obama at State of the Union; Marco Rubio invites late Cuban activist’s daughter
• Fox News Latino, State of the Union address attended by diverse group of Latinos in the front row
• Salon, Michelle Obama’s SOTU guest: “It’s really disappointing” that leaders are still debating climate change
• The Wall Street Journal, Lawmakers Use State of the Union Guests to Show Stance on U.S.-Cuba Relations
• Bradenton Herald, Obama outlines plans to help middle class
• Fusion, Michelle Obama’s State of the Union guest has a dire warning on climate change
• American Association for the Advancement of Science, Science gets its moment in Obama’s 2015 State of the Union
• National Journal, Obama: ‘No Challenge Poses a Greater Threat to Future Generations Than Climate Change’
• WLRN, South Florida Researcher To Sit With Michelle Obama For SOTU Speech
• Environmental News Service, Climate Warning Key to Obama’s State of the Union Address
• Examiner, Gaining greater awareness of sea level rise
• The Daily Caller, Obama’s SOTU Guest Points To Big Climate Push In His Final Years
• Miami Herald, Obama outlines plans to help middle class in State of the Union address
• Politico, What to watch for at tonight’s State of the Union – Sea level researcher floats to FLOTUS’s box – Agencies get until Feb. 2 to comment on Keystone XL
• Mic, Meet the Latina Climate Scientist Joining Michelle Obama at the State of the Union
• Mashable, Obama’s guests: Who’s who at the State of the Union
• onEarth, Scientist and clean air advocate Nicole Hernandez Hammer will be a guest at tonight’s State of the Union.
• The Huffington Post, Meet The Climate-Researching Mom The Obamas Are Bringing To The State Of The Union
• Bloomberg Businessweek, How the White House Picks State of the Union Guests
• Newsweek, Meet the Latina Climate Scientist Michelle Obama Invited to the State of the Union Address
• Think Progress, Latina Climate Scientist To Watch State Of The Union With Michelle Obama
• NBC News, Latina Scientist, DREAMer Among First Lady’s State of the Union Guests
• The Washington Post, With SOTU guest, Obama defies climate skeptics
• Los Angeles Times, State of the Union: Who are Michelle Obama’s guests?
• Jewish Political News & Updates, Rubio Invites Activist Rosa Maria Paya to State Of The Union in Opposition of Normalizing Relations with Cuba
• Full-Time Whistle, New law could force senators to reveal views on climate change
• EIN News, WHITE HOUSE ANNOUNCES GUESTS IN FIRST LADY’S BOX — STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS
• Newsmax, Rubio Invites Cuban Dissident’s Daughter to Obama Address
• Christian Science Monitor, State of the Union: Who will sit with Michelle Obama? (+video)
• Yahoo News, State of the Union: Who will sit with Michelle Obama?
• The Hill, Climate change researcher to sit with first lady at SOTU
• The Huffington Post, Here’s Who’s Sitting With Michelle Obama During The State Of The Union Address
• E&E Publishing, SOTU guest signals focus on climate change
• Tampa Bay Times, Florida climate change researcher to attend State of the Union with Michelle Obama
• Politico, Who’s sitting with Michelle Obama at State of the Union
• The White House, Meet Nicole Hernandez Hammer, a Guest of the First Lady at the State of the Union

2014

• Diario Las Américas, Activistas de Florida piden acciones contra cambio climático
• Miami Herald, Moms learn about climate change
• Orlando Sentinel, Florida utilities are major players in governor’s race
• NRDC Switchboard, Florida Activity is Heating Up: Leaders Urge #ActonClimate This Month Throughout the State