Iowa

Iowa 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 Iowa coordinator Karin Stein offered testimony. In her comments, Karin shared how soot pollution has compromised the health of her friend Aly and Aly’s family. Karin’s conclusion:

“Everyone has the right to breathe clean air without having to become uprooted. Clearly, the solution is not for vulnerable people to have to flee from industrial pollution, but for proper standards to be implemented—standards supported by scientific research.”

Read Karin’s testimony here.

Iowa 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 Iowa coordinator Karin Stein and Supermom María Pérez offered testimony.

Moms Clean Air Force helps shine a light on how extreme heat impacts Latino communities.

Latinos bear a disproportionate burden from climate impacts because of where they live, learn, and work, and the type of work they do. As extreme heat days are becoming more frequent and more intense across the world, it is important to recognize the harmful impacts heat can have on the health of Latino communities, especially pregnant people and children.

On July 26, 2022, Moms Clean Air Force launched a panel discussion about the impacts of extreme heat on the health of Latino communities. Panelists included Juan Declet-Barreto, PhD, Senior Social Scientist for Climate Vulnerability, Union of Concerned Scientists; Teresa Muñoz, MD, obstetrician and gynecologist, physician member of Climate Health Now; and Karin Stein, Iowa state coordinator, Moms Clean Air Force. The conversation was moderated by Almeta E. Cooper, Moms Clean Air Force National Manager for Health Equity.

Moms Clean Air Force celebrates inspiring climate leaders in Iowa and beyond.

In May 2022, Moms Clean Air Force Iowa coordinator Karin Stein hosted a series of EcoChats to honor Mother’s Day and celebrate moms’ collective care for our families and our children’s future. In this series, she talked with inspiring women leaders, including Carolina Peña of EcoMadres, Kerri Johannsen of the Iowa Environmental Council, travel writer Lori Erickson, and entrepreneur Clemen Wilcox. The women reflected on their concerns and hopes for a healthier planet and the urgent need for climate action.

Watch the complete series of EcoChats here.

Iowa 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 Iowa 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 Iowa coordinator Karin Stein offered testimony. In her comments, Karin talked about the connection between mercury contamination in Iowa’s waterbodies and the very few active coal plants in the state:

“I mapped out where the fish advisories in our state are concentrated, and I noticed—quite quickly albeit informally—that the lake advisories are concentrated almost exclusively in the southern and southeastern counties of our state, which is where our most polluting industries, a couple of the remaining coal plants, and our remaining coal mines are located.”

Read Karin’s full testimony HERE.

Moms Clean Air Force Iowa organizer Karin Stein receives Community Champion award.

On November 18, 2021, the Iowa Environmental Council recognized Karin Stein, Iowa organizer for Moms Clean Air Force and EcoMadres, for her grassroots clean air and climate advocacy work in communities across Iowa. Karin was selected for her bilingual efforts to educate and engage frontline communities impacted by climate change.

Karin was presented with this award during IEC’s annual Bright Ideas event, which featured keynote speaker Dr. Destenie Nock, a national expert in energy poverty and energy justice.

In her acceptance remarks, Karin spoke about why grassroots advocacy is important to her as a Latina:

“As a Latina, I often underscore the importance of everyone being able to talk to me. We need to hear the stories of people who cannot advocate for themselves—either because they don’t speak English or because maybe their migratory status has not been resolved yet—but they are still on the frontlines and their children certainly are. Talk to us… We can amplify your voice.”

Watch the replay here.

Iowa 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 Iowa 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 Iowa organizer Karin Stein and Supermom Stephanie BadSoldier Snow offered testimony.

Iowa moms join elected officials to say it’s time for cleaner cars.

Moms Clean Air Force Iowa field organizer Karin Stein spoke at a virtual press conference on July 15, 2021, to call on Iowa’s federal leaders to push for a transition to cleaner and pollution-free vehicles. She was joined by Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller, State Rep. Marti Anderson (HD-36), Des Moines City Council member Josh Mandelbaum (Ward 3), and Dr. Maureen McCue, Iowa Physicians for Social Responsibility.

With the transportation sector now the largest source of carbon pollution in the nation, all the speakers emphasized that we need policies that limit the pollution from cars, trucks, buses, and other heavy-duty vehicles.

Karin focused her remarks on transitioning to electric school buses and the disproportionate impact of vehicular pollution on communities of color:

“There are communities in Iowa who are disproportionately exposed to vehicular pollution and who, because of language barriers or lack of access to information or because of lack of choices, cannot move away from these pollutants and are often unaware of the chronic damage to their children’s lungs and the lungs of other vulnerable loved ones. I can still see my daughter’s pale face when she felt sick after school bus rides, and my heart still churns because I wish I could turn the clock back. I implore our elected officials … to support Representative Axne’s efforts to get us in the right direction and get things right for the next generation.”

Watch the replay.

Iowa EcoMadres attend the first Des Moines Latino Film Festival.

Moms Clean Air Force and EcoMadres organizer Karin Stein serves on the board of the Latino Center of Iowa, which hosted the first-ever Des Moines Latino Film Festival on June 18-20, 2021. An accomplished musician, Karin created a short music video, featuring children from across the state. The video played before each film at the festival.

Iowa 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 Iowa 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 Iowa organizer Karin Stein offered bilingual testimony. She reflected on the disproportionate impact of air pollution on communities of color:

It is tragic that those who least understand what is causing their chronic diseases and discomforts, and how to prevent this, are those who are most affected by air pollution caused by unacceptable vehicle emissions standards. Discussions about diseases caused by air pollution, and about the benefits that children and vulnerable individuals can derive from proper safeguards, are often not accessible to those who most need the information—because of language barriers, or because of a lack of free time to learn about many things that affect them.

Read Karin’s full testimony HERE.

Moms Clean Air Force launches Indigenous Voices virtual event series.

On April 23, 2021, the inaugural event of Moms Clean Air Force’s Indigenous Voices series featured two Indigenous women living in Iowa: Shelley Buffalo, Meskwaki, Food Sovereignty Branch coordinator at Meskwaki Natural Resources, and Stephanie BadSoldier Snow, Ho Chunk & Meskwaki, anthropologist and community organizer. They were joined on the panel by Stephanie Hall, Diné, executive director of Tolani Lake Enterprise, Arizona. The discussion was moderated by Shaina Oliver, Diné, Moms Clean Air Force and EcoMadres Colorado organizer.

These mothers and advocates focused on the topic of food sovereignty in Indigenous communities and the relationship between high-quality traditional foods and physical, mental, emotional, and environmental health.

Moms Clean Air Force honors Indigenous Peoples’ Day with members of the Navajo, Meskwaki, and Ojibwe Nations.

On October 12, 2020, Iowa field organizer Karin Stein moderated a moving conversation about motherhood and our connection to the Earth from the perspective of three Indigenous mothers: Shaina Oliver, Navajo Nation member and Moms Clean Air Force Colorado organizer; Stephanie BadSoldier Snow of the Meskwaki Nation in Iowa; and Great Grandmother Mary Lyons of the Ojibwe Nation in Minnesota. The women discussed how motherhood changed them, how motherhood is celebrated in their communities, and how they work to protect the Earth for future generations.

Prompted by open-ended questions, Shaina, Stephanie, Mary, and Karin shared a free-flowing exchange of memory and culture. The exchange was brimming with wisdom and potential for healing.

Watch the replay.

Iowa 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 Iowa 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 Iowa organizer Karin Stein and a volunteer from Cedar Falls offered testimony.

Iowa moms host an important conversation about environmental justice.

On August 30, 2020, Moms Clean Air Force Iowa hosted a panel discussion about environmental justice moderated by Rekha Basu, columnist for the Des Moines Register. Panelists included Mustafa Santiago Ali, Vice President of Environmental Justice, Climate and Community Revitalization for the National Wildlife Federation; Joe Henry, President of the League of United Latin American Citizens Council (LULAC) #307; Manny Gálvez, Owner and Editor of El Trueque Iowa; and Catherine Garcia Flowers, Texas organizer for Moms Clean Air Force.

Iowa organizer Karin Stein convened the panel to discuss the environmental justice pillar laid out in “Solving the Climate Crisis,” an important report released by the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis in June 2020. The panelists brought a wealth of perspectives on and experiences with environmental justice issues and had an engaging discussion of how pollution, climate change, government regulation, and workplace safety conditions affect communities of color, especially in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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

Iowa organizer Karin Stein offered testimony, as did two Moms Clean Air Force members from around the state.

Moms Clean Air Force Iowa sends a strong, musical Earth Day message.

For the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day, Moms Clean Air Force Iowa reached thousands of families with the music video, “Clean Air and Water.” The video, produced for Moms Clean Air Force by Latin duo Calle Sur, highlights Iowa children urging the state to take action on climate.

Iowa Moms and EcoMadres march to demand climate action.

On February 1, 2020 Moms Clean Air Force and EcoMadres members from across the state of Iowa marched in the Climate Crisis Parade with over 50 environmental, civic, justice, and faith groups in downtown Des Moines to spotlight the urgent need for action on climate. Read more about the parade here.

Organizing Latina moms through EcoMadres.

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

We host cafecitos all over Iowa to provide opportunities for Latino communities to discuss air quality and climate change. Since the spring of 2020, Iowa moms have worked with EcoMadres across the country to host a series of virtual cafecitos about the issues and inequities that have surfaced over the course of the pandemic. Find videos from past events HERE.

Engaging the Latino community through music.

In September 2022, Conjunto EcoMadres, or EcoMadres Ensemble, had its first performance at a Latino Festival in West Liberty, Iowa. Using a mix of original songs and cover songs performed primarily in Spanish, the Ensemble calls attention to environmental injustice, but also offers hope and calls out to Latinos and Latinas to take action. The performers are professional musicians and EcoMadres members based in the Midwest and originally hailing from Mexico, Colombia, Panama, and Argentina. To appeal to a broad range of Latino cultures, the songs cover a broad range of styles, such as cumbia, banda, bolero, and contemporary pop.

Demanding the transition away from coal energy to protect public health.

Moms Clean Air Force participates in Clean Up MidAm, a campaign launched in 2022 to call on MidAmerican Energy to draft a public plan to protect public health by transitioning away from coal-fired power plants no later than 2030. MidAmerican Energy advertises a 100% clean energy vision but still runs one of the largest coal fleets in the country. It is the single largest climate polluter in Iowa.

We are holding this company accountable by filing testimony with the Iowa Utilities Board and hosting letter-writing events to allow local families to voice their concerns directly to MidAmerican leadership.

“With far healthier alternatives to energy generation than coal, it is simply not conscionable to burden our children’s air with pollution from coal plants. In Iowa, the proportion of Latinos and other people of color in neighborhoods near MidAmerican’s remaining coal plants is significant, so producing energy from coal is also an environmental justice concern. With Iowa’s asthma rates now exceeding the national average, we must move away from coal energy quickly to eliminate coal as a contributor to both poor health and the global climate crisis.” —Karin Stein, Iowa state coordinator, Moms Clean Air Force

Working to transition Iowa’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. Iowa moms have hit the road to build support for clean, electric school buses. We are spreading the word about the health benefits of zero-tailpipe-pollution buses and working with local school districts to ensure they are taking advantage of federal funds from EPA’s Clean School Bus Program to transition their bus fleets to all-electric.

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.

In the fight against dangerous warming, there is a lot at stake for Iowa.

Without drastic climate action, scientists predict that Iowa will have 92 days over 90 degrees each summer by the end of the century, compared to the current 22 days per summer. Iowa will also have 55 days with temperatures over 100 degrees. These rising temperatures put Iowa families at risk from heat-related illness and death. This is especially true for outdoor workers, older adults, and young children who are more vulnerable to extreme heat.

Iowa’s 85,300 farms are also at risk. Iowa ranks second in the country for exports of agricultural products, and rising temperatures could cripple this important industry. Increased heat both threatens crops and allows pests to live longer each season.

We are transitioning to renewable energy.

Wind energy accounts for 42% of Iowa’s net electricity generation—the highest share of any state in the country. With two-fifths of Iowa’s electricity powered by renewable resources, largely wind supplemented by solar and biomass, Iowa’s renewable energy future is bright.

Despite this progress, Iowa still relies heavily on coal. 35% of the state’s electricity is powered by coal. Iowa is one of the top five states in energy use per capita, so transitioning to renewable energy would drastically reduce dangerous climate-warming greenhouse gases.

Past Events

June 2023

On June 7, EcoMadres Program Coordinator Luz Drada and Iowa coordinator Karin Stein co-hosted a webinar in Spanish about how to participate in EPA hearings on clean air rulemakings. Watch the replay.

May 2023

On May 24, EcoMadres Iowa coordinator Karin Stein joined Pilsen Neighbors Community Council, Neighbors for an Equitable Transition to Zero Emission, American Lung Association, and Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America for a virtual conversation about the consequences of environmental pollution on children’s health. Experts, including Karin, talked about pollution in the Chicago area and across the US and possible solutions for the future. Watch the replay.

On May 13, Moms Clean Air Force and our partners at Sierra Club Iowa Chapter and Iowa Interfaith Power and Light hosted “Love Your Mother,” an event celebrating Mother Earth, in Des Moines. Watch the replay.

On May 9, Moms Clean Air Force Iowa coordinator Karin Stein 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 Karin’s testimony here.

On May 9, Moms Clean Air Force Iowa coordinator Karin Stein 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 Karin’s testimony here.

On May 5, in honor of Cinco de Mayo, EcoMadres Iowa coordinator Karin Stein launched a music video of “Corrido p’al Congreso,” a song performed by her ensemble SonTierra that calls on Congress to act on climate justice. Watch the replay.

On May 3, Moms Clean Air Force Iowa coordinator Karin Stein 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 Karin’s testimony here.

On May 2—World Asthma Day 2023—Moms Clean Air Force, Sierra Club, and Clean Up MidAm hosted a press event calling on MidAmerican Energy to transition away from dirty coal energy by 2030 for the health of Iowans. Watch the replay.

April 2023

On April 30, Moms Clean Air Force Iowa coordinator Karin Stein gave a presentation about health effects of air quality and climate change on Latino communities at the annual fundraiser for the Iowa City Catholic Worker House.

On April 22, EcoMadres Iowa coordinator Karin Stein and her SonTierra ensemble performed a livestreamed Earth Day concert to celebrate the release of their album, “EcoMadres.” Watch the replay.

On April 4, Moms Clean Air Force Iowa coordinator Karin Stein joined youth activists and the Sierra Club at the Iowa State Capitol for a climate strike. Watch the replay.

March 2023

On March 8, EcoMadres Iowa coordinator Karin Stein met with students from Stilwell Middle School in Des Moines to talk about the effects of air quality on health and the power of student voices and testimony in the fight for clean air.

February 2023

In February, Moms Clean Air Force Iowa coordinator Karin Stein 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 Karin’s testimony here.

On February 16, EcoMadres Iowa coordinator Karin Stein joined Pilsen Neighbors Community Council for a virtual meeting to discuss the consequences of environmental pollution in Pilsen, Illinois, on the health of our children. Watch the replay (in Spanish).

January 2023

On January 26, Moms Clean Air Force Iowa coordinator Karin Stein spoke about the Clean Up MidAm Campaign during a webinar hosted by Iowa Interfaith Power and Light. Participants submitted comments calling on the Iowa Utilities Board to ensure MidAmerican phases out its six remaining Iowa coal plants by 2030.

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 Iowa coordinator Karin Stein and Supermom María Pérez offered testimony. Read Karin’s testimony here.

October 2022

On October 8, the EcoMadres Ensemble, organized by EcoMadres Iowa coordinator Karin Stein, performed at the Puerto Rican Festival in Phoenix, Arizona.

September 2022

On September 25, Moms Clean Air Force Iowa coordinator Karin Stein spoke at the First United Methodist Church about the importance of voting in this year’s midterm elections.

On September 24 and 25, EcoMadres Iowa coordinator Karin Stein hosted a booth at the Des Moines Latino Heritage Festival and the EcoMadres Ensemble performed.

On September 8, Moms Clean Air Force Iowa coordinator Karin Stein joined Congresswoman Cindy Axne, EDF, Iowa AFL-CIO, Iowa Interfaith Power and Light, and LULAC for a press event at 1 Source Solar in Ankeny. Speakers celebrated and highlighted the benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act for Iowans and all Americans.

On September 4, the EcoMadres Ensemble, organized by EcoMadres Iowa state coordinator Karin Stein, had its first public performance at St. Joseph’s Parish Festival in West Liberty, Iowa. Watch highlights of their performance.

August 2022

On August 27, EcoMadres hosted a table at the Latino Fest in Iowa City to share information about our work in Iowa and ways to get involved.

On August 8, EcoMadres Iowa coordinator Karin Stein attended the Latino Festival at Our Lady of the Americas Catholic Church in Des Moines to spread the word about the EcoMadres program and our work in Iowa.

July 2022

On July 26, Moms Clean Air Force launched a panel discussion about the impacts of extreme heat on the health of Latino communities. Panelists included Juan Declet-Barreto, PhD, Senior Social Scientist for Climate Vulnerability, Union of Concerned Scientists; Teresa Muñoz, MD, obstetrician and gynecologist, physician member of Climate Health Now; and Karin Stein, Iowa state coordinator, Moms Clean Air Force. The conversation was moderated by Almeta E. Cooper, Moms Clean Air Force National Manager for Health Equity. Watch the replay.

On July 18, Iowa EcoMadres hosted a Latino Conservation Week cafecito with Latino families in Waterloo. During the program, children had the opportunity to identify some flowers and insects, sing songs, and eat yummy cake.

June 2022

Karin Stein, Iowa coordinator for Moms Clean Air Force and EcoMadres, as well as a board member of the Latino Center of Iowa, attended the Des Moines Latino Film Festival June 7 to 11. She had the opportunity to screen her latest music video, “Cuando se pierden sueños y alegrías” (“When Dreams and Joys Are Lost”).

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.

April 2022

On April 16, Kids Clean Air Force Iowa members shared their thoughts about clean air and climate change in Moms Clean Air Force’s Youth Voices Talk Climate Change program. Watch the replay.

February 2022

On February 24, Moms Clean Air Force Iowa 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 Iowa coordinator Karin Stein offered testimony. Read Karin’s testimony HERE.

January 2022

EcoMadres Iowa coordinator Karin Stein attended GreenLatinos’ virtual Winter Summit.

On January 12, Moms Clean Air Force Iowa coordinator Karin Stein attended an EPA informational hearing about applying for a grant for community air quality monitoring. She is working with Supermoms in Muscatine, Iowa, to improve air quality monitoring in their community.

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, Karin Stein, Moms Clean Air Force and EcoMadres Iowa organizer, received the Community Champion Award at the Iowa Environmental Council’s annual Bright Ideas event. Karin was selected for the award for her bilingual work on air pollution and climate issues in communities across Iowa.

October 2021

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 9, EcoMadres Iowa organizer and musician Karin Stein hosted a special bilingual story time celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at the Iowa City Public Library pedestrian mall. Karin read the picture book “Señorita Mariposa,” and shared her passion and talent for Latin American music with an interactive concert for the whole family.

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.

On October 4, Moms Clean Air Force and EcoMadres Iowa organizer Karin Stein attended a town hall with Congresswoman Cindy Axne in Des Moines.

September 2021

On September 25 and 26, EcoMadres Iowa organizer Karin Stein represented EcoMadres at Iowa’s Latino Heritage Festival in Des Moines.

On September 21, Iowa moms participated in the Protecting Moms and Babies Against Climate Change Lobby Day. Moms Clean Air Force Iowa organizer Karin Stein met with Congresswoman Cindy Axne’s staff 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.

On September 12, EcoMadres Iowa organizer Karin Stein represented EcoMadres at the Latino Festival of Our Lady of the Americas Church in Des Moines.

On September 1, Moms Clean Air Force Iowa organizer Karin Stein participated in a virtual discussion with Congresswoman Cindy Axne and Iowa advocates. The event was hosted by the Iowa Environmental Council and Environmental Defense Fund.

August 2021

On August 28, EcoMadres Iowa organizer Karin Stein represented EcoMadres and Moms Clean Air Force at the Latino Fest in Iowa City. She performed at the event and raised awareness about the impact of pollution and climate extremes on Latinos.

On August 25, Iowa field organizer Karin Stein and Supermom Stephanie BadSoldier Snow 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.

On August 14, EcoMadres Iowa organizer Karin Stein held an outdoor cafecito in Des Moines to introduce new EcoMadres members to our work on air and climate pollution.

On August 7, EcoMadres Iowa organizer Karin Stein held an outdoor cafecito in Waterloo to introduce new EcoMadres members to our work on air and climate pollution.

July 2021

Moms Clean Air Force Iowa field organizer Karin Stein spoke at a virtual press conference on July 15, to call on Iowa’s federal leaders to push for a transition to cleaner and pollution-free vehicles. She was joined by Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller, State Rep. Marti Anderson (HD-36), Des Moines City Council member Josh Mandelbaum (Ward 3), and Dr. Maureen McCue, Iowa Physicians for Social Responsibility. Watch the replay.

June 2021

On June 19 and 20, EcoMadres had a table at the first Des Moines Latino Film Festival. EcoMadres Iowa organizer Karin Stein created a short music video that was shown before each film. Watch the video.

Moms Clean Air Force and EcoMadres organizer Karin Stein attended a town hall for Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) on June 7.

On June 2, Iowa field organizer Karin Stein 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 Karin’s testimony.

April 2021

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.

March 2021

As part of the GreenLatinos Virtual Fly-In to Capitol Hill, EcoMadres Iowa organizer Karin Stein met with staff in the offices of Senators Catherine Cortez-Masto (NV), Jacky Rosen (NV), Mitt Romney (UT), and Tammy Baldwin (WI).

On March 17, Moms Clean Air Force Iowa organizer Karin Stein gave a virtual lecture on environmental justice to an environmental studies and sustainability class at Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa.

On March 4, EcoMadres Iowa organizer Karin Stein moderated a virtual cafecito celebrating Women’s History Month featuring Chilean jazz singer Claudia Acuña and EcoMadres Arizona organizer Columba Sainz. They talked about motherhood, the power of Latina voices, and the reasons they fight for climate and social justice. Watch the replay.

February 2021

On February 10, Moms Clean Air Force and EcoMadres field organizer Karin Stein joined Legislative Manager Trisha Dello Iacono for a virtual cafecito about how the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act will improve the health of Black and brown mothers and their babies. Watch the replay.

December 2020

On December 11, Iowa field organizer Karin Stein and her work around the state with EcoMadres was featured in a Facebook Live interview by EMPODERATE Tú puedes.

In December, members of Moms Clean Air Force and EcoMadres Iowa met with their members of Congress to encourage bold climate action in 2021. Iowa moms had meetings with Sen. Joni Ernst, Sen. Chuck Grassley, and Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03).

November 2020

On November 1, Iowa field organizer Karin Stein was featured in a Facebook Live conversation with National Wildlife Federation Iowa organizer Tyler Granger about the importance of voting in the 2020 election and the potential impact of the election results on environmental policy. Watch the replay.

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 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.

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.

September 2020

On September 29, Iowa field organizer Karin Stein presented a virtual luncheon program to the Iowa Farmer’s Union about clean air, climate change, the importance of voting, and how it all relates to regenerative farming practices. Watch the replay.

Iowa organizer Karin Stein hosted a webinar with members of the Meskwaki Tribe in Iowa to introduce them to Moms Clean Air Force, find out about their environmental concerns, and encourage them to vote and get others to vote. Colorado organizer Shaina Oliver shared her work as an Indigenous Rights Advocate in Colorado.

Iowa organizer Karin Stein joined El Trueque Iowa’s Manny Galvez to talk about how important it is for Latinos to fill out the 2020 Census and how the Census relates to environmental and social justice issues. Watch the video of this important conversation here.

On September 3, Pennsylvania organizer Vanessa Lynch hosted a very special bilingual Moms Read for Our Future with Iowa organizer Karin Stein. Vanessa and Karin read Senorita Mariposa in both English and Spanish and led a bilingual singalong activity. Watch the storytime here and the singalong here.

Iowa 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 Iowa organizer Karin Stein and a volunteer from Cedar Falls urged EPA to follow the science and strengthen the existing rule.

August 2020

On August 30, Iowa organizer Karin Stein hosted a webinar moderated by Rekha Basu, columnist for the Des Moines Register, on the environmental justice pillar of the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis report. Panelists included Mustafa Santiago Ali, Joe Henry, Manny Gálvez, Karin Stein, and Catherine García Flowers. Bringing a wealth of perspectives and experiences that intersect with environmental justice issues, the panelists discussed how pollution, climate change, government regulation, and workplace safety conditions affect communities of color, especially in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Watch the video here.

Moms Clean Air Force Iowa welcomed Edgar East, Moms Clean Air Force volunteer, parent, and teacher, and Professor Catherine Zeman of the University of Northern Iowa, who serves on the Blackhawk County Board of Health, for a discussion about the complexities and dilemmas surrounding the beginning of the new school year. Watch the Facebook Live video here.

July 2020

On July 18, Iowa organizer Karin Stein hosted a bilingual cafecito with Professor Catherine Zeman, University of Northern Iowa, on toxic chemicals that people are exposed to every day and how these toxins are regulated. Watch the Facebook Live video here.

June 2020

Moms Clean Air Force Iowa joined Environment Iowa and Physicians for Social Responsibility to organize a panel discussion that considered the relationship between transportation and community health. Speakers explored environmental justice implications of vehicle electrification and helped us understand how policy decisions can affect communities differently. Attendees learned how Iowa is addressing electrification of city buses, school buses, and mail trucks or could do so in the future.

Moms Clean Air Force Iowa hosted a webinar on asthma in Iowa and how air quality and environmental deregulation affect our most vulnerable.

Iowa radio station, La Q Buena, featured field organizer Karin Stein on their program to discuss the importance of Latino participation in the Census. Watch the interview here.

Moms Clean Air Force Iowa and Corazon Latino hosted a virtual summer concert by Calle Sur. Calle Sur is an acoustic Latin duo featuring Moms Clean Air Force Iowa organizer Karin Stein and her partner Ed East. Together they perform a wide range of musical styles from Latin America and the Caribbean, from mellow to upbeat, from traditional to contemporary.

On June 11, Iowa field organizer Karin Stein co-hosted a webinar on electric buses with Environment Iowa and Physicians for Social Responsibility. Karin spoke briefly about EPA’s deregulatory agenda and introduced a presentation by Daphne Dixon, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Live Green in Connecticut (livegreenct.org). Ms. Dixon spoke about the toolkit her organization developed to help school districts take a step-by-step approach to the daunting task of electrifying school bus fleets.

May 2020

Iowa 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. Iowa organizer Karin Stein and two Iowa supermoms testified in favor of following science and strengthening the existing rule.

April 2020

On April 22, EcoMadres and Corazón Latino hosted a virtual Earth Day Cafecito: “Clean Air, Coronavirus, and the Latino Community.” Moderator Karina Martinez spoke to Iowa organizer, Karin Stein, Arizona organizer, Columba Sainz, and Nevada organizer, Cinthia Moore about coronavirus, the Latino community, and how advocating for strong protections from air pollution has changed during the pandemic. Watch the video here.

For the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day, Latin duo Calle Sur produced a music video for Moms Clean Air Force about the importance of clean air and water. Watch the video here.

March 2020

On March 9, Iowa Organizer, Karin Stein, presented about the EcoMadres program at the “Latino Day on the Hill 2020” at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines.

On March 8, Iowa Organizer Karin Stein as part of Latin duo Calle Sur hosted a concert for International Women’s Day in Waterloo, Iowa.

February 2020

Moms Clean Air Force Iowa hosted two panels during the weekend of February 15th– Regenerative Farming and Carbon Sequestration in Fairfield, Iowa and Climate Change and Health Care in Des Moines, Iowa.

On February 1, Moms Clean Air Force and EcoMadres members from across the state of Iowa marched in the Climate Crisis Parade with over 50 environmental, civic, justice, and faith groups in downtown Des Moines to spotlight the urgent need for action on climate.

January 2020

Iowa Field Organizer, Karin Stein, attended a town hall with Cindy Axne.

December 2019

Moms Clean Air Force/EcoMadres hosted a cafecito in Des Moines. Staff from the office of Cindy Axne attended the event.

Iowa Field Organizer, Karin Stein, participated in a panel focused on climate change at the annual Iowa Farmers Union convention.

November 2019

Moms Clean Air Force/EcoMadres tabled and spoke at a musical Dia de Los Muertos program to celebrate the arrival of monarch butterflies in Mexico and to underscore the importance of fighting against climate change.

October 2019

Moms Clean Air Force Iowa tabled at the Called to Climate Action Statewide Gathering– an Interfaith Gathering for Climate Action with keynote speaker Dr. Katharine Hayhoe.

Moms Clean Air Force hosted a tour of Singlespeed Brewery in Waterloo, a sustainably run Iowa business. Attendees discussed the importance of transitioning to 100% clean energy across the entire economy and about what their communities are doing to become more sustainable.

On October 17, 2019, Iowa Field Organizer, Karin Stein, and Ed East hosted an Environmental Workshop at Latinx Youth Summit. Through a drum circle and South American panpipe activity, participants explored the interconnection of issues and brainstormed the ways in which we can all work in favor of clean air and against climate change in our communities.

Members of Moms Clean Air Force Iowa met with the staff of Senator Grassley to discuss the importance of transitioning to a 100% clean economy to protect the health of Iowa’s families and children.

On October 7, 2019, Iowa Field Organizer, Karin Stein, hosted a read-in of Señorita Mariposa at the Newton Public Library with Iowa Congressman Wes Breckenridge.

Moms Clean Air Force Iowa attended the University of Iowa Extreme Weather Symposium in Des Moines.

September 2019

Iowa EcoMadres tabled at Iowa’s Latino Heritage Festival in Des Moines.

Iowa Moms and Clean Air Kids from around the state supported the Global Climate Strikes on September 20th in Des Moines, Iowa City, Fairfield, and Vinton.

August 2019

Moms Clean Air Force Iowa hosted an EcoMadres cafecito in Des Moines.

Iowa Field Organizer, Karin Stein, hosted a booth at the Iowa State Fair to discuss the work of Moms Clean Air Force and the EcoMadres program.

July 2019

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

2023

• Voz de América, ECOMADRES, Las madrinas ambientales de los latinos en EEUU
• Axios, Des Moines’ air quality improves while Iowa fight looms
• Sierra Club, Organizations and Iowans Call for End to Coal Pollution that is
  Driving Asthma Cases
• Associated Press, Iowans and Nebraskans Rally for a Coal-Free Future Outside Berkshire Hathaway Shareholder Meeting
• Our Quad Cities, On World Asthma Day, group gathers in Muscatine to discuss air pollution
• Harlan Times, Iowa Environmental Council: Three Things You Won’t Hear Onstage at the Berkshire Hathaway Shareholder Meeting
• Breathing Labs, Transportation is main source of air pollution affecting children in Pilsen, health experts and activists say
• Black News, Transportation is main source of air pollution affecting children in Pilsen, health experts and activists say
• The Limited Times, Latinas take action for their children: “They see their asthma attacks, their respiratory problems, and they look for solutions”
• Noticias Telemundo, Latinas toman acción por sus hijos: “Ven sus ataques de asma, sus problemas respiratorios y buscan soluciones”
• Univision, Desastre químico de Ohio
• KIQI Radio, Karin Stein – Hecho en California

2022

• 6 NEWS WOWT, Environmental groups propose alternative to MidAmerican’s Wind PRIME
• Univision, La Voz de la Mañana
• Press Release, Rep. Axne, Moms, Community Leaders Host Press Conference to Highlight Benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act for Iowans
• Press Release, “Iowa Gives Green” Puts Dollars to Work for Iowa Environmental Organizations
• Radio Nepantla, MADRE TIERRA. Karin Stein: EcoMadres
• Cambio16, Hasta los niveles más bajos de hollín pueden ser mortales
• New York Times, Even Low Levels of Soot Can Be Deadly to Older People, Research Finds

2021

• WOI, Ditching diesel: The future of Iowa school buses
• Corridor Business Journal, IEC event explores clean energy, celebrates local leadership in Iowa
• Des Moines Register, Our kids’ health is at stake. Congress can bring more electric school buses to Iowa.
• Iowa Starting Line, An Iowan Combining Latin Music With Environmental Activism
• Iowa Environmental Council, Congress Can Bring More Electric School Buses to Iowa
• Des Moines Register, Central Iowa leaders join climate advocates in calling for ‘bold, clean transportation’ initiatives
• Iowa Starting Line, State, Local Leaders Call for Iowa Investing in Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
• Press Release, Iowa Officials Call For Clean Transportation Investment
• Indian Country Today, President Biden must confirm climate crisis affecting Indigenous communities

2020

• Des Moines Register, How the derecho can lead Iowa to a more resilient future
• Muscatine Journal, STEIN: COVID-19 puts a disproportionate burden on Black and Latino Iowans
• El Trueque, El CENSO y el VOTO: Las herramientas más importantes del 2020
• Indianola Independent Advocate, Indianola groups to participate in Climate Crisis Parade
• Press Advisory, Media Availability with Climate Crisis Parade Marchers Ahead of the Iowa Caucuses

2019

• Des Moines Register, This mom wants us all to take a deep breath
• Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier, Guest Column: Children deserve clean air
• Newton Daily News, Bilingual book reading, musical event for families Monday at NPL
• Press Release, IA Parents Join Members of Congress on Capitol Hill as Part of Sweeping Movement for Climate Solutions
• Newton Daily News, We can’t afford climate change: Our legislators must act
• Iowa Public Radio, Has Your Doctor Talked To You About Climate Change?
• Public News Service, Iowa Mom Tells EPA: “Keep Mercury and Air Toxics Standards