Montana

Montana moms kick off Moms Clean Air Force’s Let’s Get Rolling Electric School Bus Tour.

On June 25, 2021, Moms Clean Air Force Montana hosted a demonstration of an electric school bus at Park High School in Livingston. The event was part of a nationwide push to upgrade old school buses with better technology to reduce children’s exposure to harmful diesel exhaust and climate pollution.

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

Electric school bus manufacturer Lion Electric provided a bus for the Montana demonstration and gave tours of the inside of the bus and short rides around the parking lot. Park County Commissioner Bill Berg, Park County Health Officer Dr. Laurel Desnick, and student leader Severn Sienkiewicz joined Montana parents and children for the tour.

Montana 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 Montana 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 Montana organizer Michelle Uberuaga and four volunteers from across the state offered testimony. Michelle spoke about the impact of transportation pollution on her community and her kids:

“My kids are also impacted by pollution from vehicles at their schools…. Parents idle their cars during pickup and drop-off, which happen on the playground. It’s alarming to see our playground flanked on all sides by idling cars and air pollution. And I know that many of my kids’ classmates suffer from asthma—Reid, Oliver, Griffin, and Bridger, to name a few.”

Read Michelle’s full testimony HERE.

Montana Moms fight for the cleanup of the Anaconda Superfund site.

The Anaconda Smelter Superfund site occupies 300 square miles of southern Deer Lodge Valley in Montana. It is one of the largest Superfund sites in the country and has been on the Superfund National Priority List since 1983. Nearly 40 years later, Anaconda residents are still living with the public health impacts of high concentrations of arsenic, lead, copper, cadmium, and zinc in their soil, groundwater, and surface water.

Moms Clean Air Force Montana has been fighting for the cleanup of the Anaconda site for years. In 2018 — after meetings with EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler and Sen. Steve Daines — Montana field organizer and former Anaconda resident Melissa Nootz hosted a tour of the contaminated public spaces in the city for EPA Regional Administrator Doug Benevento. Since the tour, the longtime confidentiality gag order preventing disclosure of the cleanup has been lifted, a big step forward in the cleanup process.

In October 2020, the EPA and Department of Justice lodged an inadequate partial consent decree for the continued cleanup of Anaconda — and allowed just 30 days for public comment by Deer Lodge County residents, who were simultaneously experiencing a spike in coronavirus cases. Moms Clean Air Force requested an extension of the comment period and was given an additional 2 weeks. (Read our letter requesting the extension.) But 6 weeks is not enough time for an impacted community to make sense of and respond to the 3,300 pages of documents related to the partial consent decree.

In response to the EPA’s negligence, Moms Clean Air Force members wrote:

“Given the weak public outreach and engagement throughout this process of [negotiating the partial consent decree], we have no confidence that the accountability in 5-year reviews for perpetuity will be adequate to meet the health and safety needs of the community.”

Read our full letter to EPA Regional Administrator Gregory Sopkin HERE.

Montana Moms tell the Office of Management and Budget to oppose the EPA’s attack on particle pollution standards.

On November 23, 2020, Moms Clean Air Force met by phone with the White House’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to oppose the Trump administration’s efforts to ignore the science on particle pollution, or deadly soot. Trump’s EPA proposed to retain the current National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for particle pollution last spring despite overwhelming evidence that the current standard puts lives at risk. Particle pollution causes heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease, among other grave health impacts that can make people more vulnerable to the coronavirus.

Moms Clean Air Force Montana field organizer Melissa Nootz shared concerns about wildfire smoke, which carries dangerously high levels of particle pollution, during the meeting:

“Children, the elderly, people with asthma, or heart or lung disease, are especially at risk from the smoke — exposure can result in reduced lung function, asthma attacks, blood clots, heart attack, and stroke.

“A study from the University of Montana found that higher daily concentrations of PM 2.5 is related to an increase in influenza cases the following winter. COVID severity and death rates are also related to PM 2.5 levels. And for communities that have historically been exposed to higher rates of pollution, wildfire smoke can worsen health disparities.

“Do not ignore the health impacts of PM exposure at levels below the federal standards. As a Montanan and a mom, I urge you to help us by strengthening EPA’s proposal for PM.”

Read more about our meeting with OMB HERE.

Montana Moms applaud the state’s Climate Solutions Plan.

On September 9, 2020, Governor Steve Bullock released a wide-ranging plan to set Montana on a course to address climate change. The 72-page plan was drafted by the Montana Climate Solutions Council created by Governor Bullock’s Executive Order 8-2019. It recommends moving toward net zero greenhouse gas emissions from the electric power sector by 2035 and net zero emissions overall by 2040–2050. The plan also includes recommendations related to improving wildfire resilience, safeguarding Montana’s water and public lands, promoting energy efficiency, encouraging renewable energy development, electrifying transportation, coordinating with Indigenous communities, encouraging innovation, and preparing workers for the transition to green jobs.

Montana today is facing warmer temperatures than ever before and an increasingly severe wildfire season. The Montana Climate Solutions Plan is an essential first step toward ensuring climate safety for our families and communities. Montana Moms are working across the state to ensure the plan’s recommendations are implemented in a way that prioritizes equity and our children’s health.

Montana 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 Montana joined more than 50 Moms Clean Air Force staff and volunteers from 14 states and DC to deliver testimony at 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 Montana field organizers Michelle Uberuaga and Melissa Nootz and 4 Montana volunteers offered testimony. In her testimony, Melissa referenced reports that indicate ozone pollution is getting worse and is more dangerous to Black, brown, Indigenous, and other communities of color, which are experiencing higher rates of premature death and other health problems because of their exposure to this toxic pollution. She concluded:

EPA, your mission, literally, is to protect human health and the environment. It shouldn’t matter if our environment is a densely populated big city or a rural community out West. And it shouldn’t matter who our ancestors are. EPA protections are for all Americans—not just white citizens.

Moms Clean Air Force empowers Montanans to act on wildfire smoke, public health, and equity.

On June 24, 2020, Montana field organizer Melissa Nootz gave an important presentation on the public health impacts of wildfire smoke. She focused on the family and community levels and the role of equity in building community resilience for an APHA Center for Climate, Health, and Equity webinar titled “After the Smoke Clears: How Wildfires Impact Our Health.” at the family and community levels and the role of equity in building community resilience for an APHA Center for Climate, Health, and Equity webinar titled “After the Smoke Clears: How Wildfires Impact Our Health.”

During her talk, Melissa shared stories from communities around Montana from the particularly dangerous and unprecedented wildfire season of 2017. Prolonged wildfire smoke exposure is a serious public health threat leading to asthma attacks, heart attack, stroke, low birth weight, and other health problems, and privilege is a major factor in whether families and communities can follow recommendations for managing or preventing smoke exposure, like buying HEPA filters, upgrading HVAC systems, or evacuating to a hotel outside the wildfire danger zone.

Melissa acknowledged that impacted communities know their own equitable solutions. She concluded,

“If the institutions suggesting the prescriptions for healthy communities only view equity and solutions from seats of privilege, we’ll continue to miss critical and life-saving opportunities…. Let’s radically shift the lens of how we view equity and stop centering the dominant white culture as we look for solutions—or recommit yourself if you’re already doing this important work.”

Watch the webinar HERE.

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

Montana organizers Melissa Nootz and Michelle Uberuaga offered testimony, as did three Moms Clean Air Force members from around the state.

Members of Moms Clean Air Force help Helena transition to 100% clean electricity.

On February 24, 2020, the Helena City Commission unanimously passed a resolution to put Helena on a path to 100% clean, renewable electricity by 2030. Helena Moms Clean Air Force members played a critical role in helping this resolution pass. In the months leading up to the resolution vote, Helena moms and a strong coalition of partners met with City Commission members, showed up at public hearings, and wrote letters in support of the resolution– making it loud and clear that Montana moms want meaningful action on climate.

“The City Commission has demonstrated true leadership and a commitment to preserving the health of our community, our economy, and our Montana way of life. Cities are filling the void in climate action in the absence of state or federal leadership. Helena, Missoula, and other communities are ready for clean air and water, lower electricity bills, and a local clean energy economy — and this movement is showing no signs of slowing.”

–Melissa Hornbein, Helena Moms Clean Air Force Supermom

Montana moms are serious about protecting our lands — and we showed it by fighting for the safety of over 30,000 acres of public land.

On March 18, 2019, Senator Jon Tester joined the community on the northern border of Yellowstone National Park at Chico Hot Springs to celebrate the passage of landmark legislation, the Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act.

Senator Tester introduced the Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act in April 2017, and worked tirelessly with the community to pass the bill in February 2019 as part of the historic Public Lands Package. The legislation prohibits hard rock mining on 30,370 acres of public lands in two mining districts on the border of Yellowstone National Park. Montana organizer, Michelle Uberuaga, was instrumental in building local support for the initiative and delivered remarks to the community alongside Senator Tester.

In her remarks, Michelle said:

“We succeed here because we recognize the power of working together at the most local level. We set aside personal politics, we take the time to earn respect and trust, we sit down and we listen to one another, we lift each other up, and we stand together on issues that may not be our own. And we show up. This is the definition of a community.”

Helping Montana moms run for office.

In May 2019, Moms Clean Air Force Montana hosted the second annual Mom Power Summit with 30 participants from around the state for a three-day training. The topics included women in conservation, civic engagement, and running for office.

Testimonials:

“I took more away from these women than I could have ever imagined, and the past few days have found my mind consumed with thoughts about justice, privilege, identity, purpose and community… I am in awe of every single woman who accepted your invitation and made the choice to co-create such a profound environment… Ever learning, ever expanding, ever forward. Let’s fly.”

–Shannon Stober-Barrett

“I was present to everyone and felt seen and heard by all. Even though this was my experience- and our shared experience, I deeply believe that this kind of recognition and connection is happening with other groups of moms and women everywhere. I walked away feeling hopeful. After all, we have super powers!”

–Lei-Anna Bertelsen

“What happens when you get a group of powerhouse women together to collaborate, share new ideas, grow, and empower one another? Positive action for the world. Thank you to an incredible group of strong women who came together to teach important lessons on diversity in leadership, creating innovative new systems, empowerment, and supporting one another. Whether your area of focus is housing, social justice, environment, climate, education, or health, it is all interconnected and we must use the strength of our community near and far to build a holistic, thriving future.”

–Lara Tomov

“I am incredibly grateful for this powerful group of women that shared their weekend, wisdom and superpowers over Memorial Day weekend. No one said it would be easy changing the world, breaking down injustice and fighting for the things we love, but we agreed to take turns post-holing and to work together to build community. That’s how I want to live. Feeling hope. Feeling powerful.”

–Michelle Uberuaga

After the 2018 Summit, six of the participants have been elected to local boards or offices in four cities across the state. Here is what they have gone on to do:

• Three women have joined planning boards in their communities (Great Falls, Anaconda and Bozeman).
• One is a new City Commissioner (Livingston).
• One was appointed by the Governor to the Montana State Parks and Recreation Board.
• One was named Chairwoman of the City Commission (Livingston).

In 2020, we will work to train another 30 climate champions to run for office in Montana.

Listen to the 2018 Montana Public Radio story about the event.

Working to clean up Montana’s Superfund sites.

Montana’s history as an American hub for mining and smelting has left its mark on our communities in the form of several of the country’s largest Superfund sites. The mining industry is responsible for not only heavy metal pollution of our soil and water, but also air pollution from the release of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. Exposure to these pollutants — which is highest near smelting facilities — can cause neurological deficits, cancer, and other serious health conditions.

Moms Clean Air Force has been working for years to ensure the EPA does its job to clean up the Anaconda Smelter Superfund site in southwest Montana. In the early 20th century, the Anaconda-Butte area, which includes this 300-square-mile site, was the largest producer of copper in the world. By 1980, the copper smelting facility in Anaconda had been shuttered, and by 1983, the EPA had added the area to the National Priorities List. Our moms in Anaconda regularly meet with EPA officials, participate in public comment periods, and raise awareness about the still-significant contamination and its effects on their families and community.

Our public land and natural areas are precious.

With over 30 million acres of public land—roughly one-third of the state—Montana has no shortage of wilderness to explore. It is home to both Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks, which attract visitors from across the United States and internationally. Montana moms care deeply about maintaining their public lands, which means fighting for policies that decrease fire risks and fighting against proposed mining near or around these sites.

Our children are growing up with more frequent and more intense wildfires—and more dangerous air pollution.

Wildfires are not a new part of life in Montana. Seasonal burn bans and “Smokey Bear” fire danger alerts help inform decisions Montana residents make to prevent fires. But the fires in Montana are getting worse —and more dangerous.

As heat continues to rise in the state and rains become more unpredictable, Montana, like many states, is at risk because of the impacts of climate change. 2017 was the worst fire season in Montana since 1910 for total acres burned—with over 1.4 million acres consumed by fires across the state. This heavy burn season coincided with what the National Drought Mitigation Center deemed an “exceptional drought.”

These fires not only pose danger to Montana families, communities, and beloved public land, but expose Montana residents to unsafe air. During the 2017 burn season, many Montana children breathed “very unhealthy” air.

We rely too heavily on coal.

Montana is a major coal-producing state.

The Powder River Basin, a region between Wyoming and Montana, produces over 40% of coal in the United States.

The Montana coal industry is intertwined with our state’s economy and transports coal across the entire Pacific Northwest region, further contributing to local and regional air pollution.

Past Events

June 2021

On June 25, Moms Clean Air Force Montana hosted a demonstration of an electric school bus at Park High School in Livingston. Park County Commissioner Bill Berg, Park County Health Officer Dr. Laurel Desnick, and student leader Severn Sienkiewicz joined Montana parents and children for the tour.

On June 18, Moms Clean Air Force and our partners at Families for a Livable Climate and Mountain Mamas hosted a Community and Power-Building Workshop, the flagship event of the first Montana Families Climate Summit. Twenty-five women from across the state attended this full-day event.

On June 17, Moms Clean Air Force and our partners at Families for a Livable Climate and Mountain Mamas hosted a virtual training on oil and gas development as part of the Montana Families Climate Summit.

On June 10, Moms Clean Air Force and our partners at Families for a Livable Climate and Mountain Mamas hosted a Skills Training Workshop, the first of two lunch-hour virtual workshops offered as part of the Montana Families Climate Summit. During the workshop, participants learned how to have effective conversations about climate change, across differences.

On June 7, Moms Clean Air Force and our partners at Families for a Livable Climate and Mountain Mamas hosted a Climate Café as part of the Montana Families Climate Summit. The café provided a safe space for participants to share their feelings, hopes, and questions about the climate crisis.

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

May 2021

On May 19, Moms Clean Air Force Montana organizer Michelle Uberuaga joined the 2021 National Tribal Forum on Air Quality networking session with Moms Clean Air Force staff.

On May 18, Moms Clean Air Force Montana organizer Michelle Uberuaga testified at the Livingston City Commission meeting against a requirement in Montana law that members of the planning board are only deemed qualified to serve if they own land.

April 2021

On April 24, Montana Moms hosted a kid-friendly, socially distanced Earth Day cleanup of Sacajawea Park and the levy trail.

On April 6, Moms Clean Air Force Montana cohosted a lunchtime virtual conservation with Katharine Hayhoe about how to talk about climate change with friends, family, and our institutions and businesses. The event was moderated by Winona Bateman, founder of Families for a Livable Climate, and Dr. Cathy Whitlock, renowned climate scientist, and was hosted by Moms Clean Air Force, Families for a Livable Climate, and Mountain Mamas.

March 2021

On March 24, Moms Clean Air Force Montana organizer Michelle Uberuaga organized a group of Kids Clean Air Force members to testify at the Montana legislature. Michelle gave the kids a lesson on advocacy and talked about climate, education, transgender, and wildlife bills. Two of the kids chose to advocate for HB 642 (funding for Farm to School) and testified before the legislature via Zoom that day.

On March 4, Moms Clean Air Force Montana joined Families for a Livable Climate and Mountain Mamas for a virtual discussion with Harriet Shugarman, author of How to Talk to Your Kids About Climate Change.

February 2021

On February 10, Moms Clean Air Force Montana organizer Michelle Uberuaga hosted a virtual meeting with the Montana climate scientists who put together the Montana Climate Assessment and the Montana Climate Plan to discuss local implementation.

January 2021

On January 19, Moms Clean Air Force Montana organizer Michelle Uberuaga met with researchers with the Montana Climate Assessment to plan for a presentation on the climate plan and the next phase of their research—the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem climate assessment.

December 2020

In December, members of Moms Clean Air Force Montana met with their members of Congress to encourage bold climate action in 2021. Colorado parents had meetings with Sen. Tester and Sen. Daines.

September 2020

On September 29, Moms Clean Air Force chapters in DC, Montana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia hosted watch parties for the first presidential debate. After receiving hundreds of emails and tweets from our members, debate moderator Chris Wallace strayed from the planned debate topics and spent 10 minutes questioning the candidates about their climate policy. It was the first time a debate moderator had asked a question about climate change during a presidential debate in 12 years.

Montana 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. Montana field organizers Michelle Uberuaga and Melissa Nootz and 4 Montana volunteers urged EPA to follow the science and strengthen the existing rule.

June 2020

Moms Clean Air Force Montana organizer Melissa Nootz spoke on a webinar from the APHA Center for Climate, Health and Equity about wildfire smoke and its public health impacts. Discussion focused on health equity and opportunities for building resilience and bolstering wildfire preparedness. Other panelists included Will Barrett, director of clean air advocacy for the American Lung Association in California, and Wayne Cascio, director of the Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, US Environmental Protection Agency. The discussion was moderated by Surili Sutaria Patel, Director, APHA Center for Climate, Health and Equity; Deputy Director, APHA Center for Public Health Policy.

Moms Clean Air Force Montana began hosting a series of weekly virtual Brave Spaces to better understand white supremacy culture and privilege.

May 2020

Moms Clean Air Force Montana held a Baby Power shower with moms from across the state for Montana Organizer, Michelle Uberuaga.

Montana 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. Montana moms urged EPA to follow the science and strengthen the existing rule.

On May 15, Moms Clean Air Force Montana hosted a virtual event with Moms Clean Air Force’s Florida organizer Yaritza Perez.

On May 8, Moms Clean Air Force Montana hosted a virtual event with Moms Clean Air Force’s Arizona organizer Columba Sainz.

On May 1, Moms Clean Air Force Montana hosted a virtual event with Moms Clean Air Force’s Dr. Tonya Calhoun, a Community RX/Faith Force organizer working for social and environmental justice for families across Georgia and the Southeast region.

April 2020

Montana moms throughout the state joined together for the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day. In the City of Red Lodge, Moms Clean Air Force Montana joined for a week-long series of webinars and virtual activities for Earth Week Red Lodge. In Missoula, Montana moms joined environmental and social justice organizations for their virtual online rally with speakers and performers, Rise for a Just, Livable, and Vibrant Future. And in Bozeman, Moms Clean Air Force Montana joined local musicians celebrating Earth Day for a virtual concert.

February 2020

Montana organizer, Michelle Uberuaga traveled to Helena, MT in support of Helena Supermoms’ efforts to pass a 100% clean electricity resolution at the City Commission. Michelle, along with a group of Helena Supermoms and two Clean Air Kids testified in support of the resolution. The resolution was passed with unanimous support.

Montana organizer, Michelle Uberuaga, presented at an elementary school in Helena on the importance and power of grassroots organizing, highlighting Helena’s work to pass a resolution for 100% clean electricity.

In February, Montana organizer, Melissa Nootz, was invited to speak with 75 high school students to share insights on local government.

Field organizer, Michelle Uberuaga, presented at a state-wide conference on being a “Community Catalyst.” Michelle’s presentation focused on campaign planning and walked community leaders through a campaign planning exercise.

January 2020

Moms Clean Air Force Montana joined Montanans across the state at the Gallatin & Park County Women’s March 2020 in Bozeman.

October 2019

Moms Clean Air Force members from Montana joined in Bozeman at the Bozeman Community Climate Forum to participate in the Vision & Goals Community Forum for the Bozeman Climate Plan. We are working to engage a diverse committee of community representative across industries to help develop the Climate Plan goals and actions.

On October 5th, Montana moms attended the 2019 Helena Sun Run and Clean Energy Expo in Helena.

September 2019

Moms Clean Air Force Montana supported the Global Climate Strike around the country in Bozeman, Missoula, Helena, and Livingston.

July 2019

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

May 2019

Moms Clean Air Force Montana hosted a Moms Power Summit with over 20 women from around the state to facilitate leadership training through the lens of diversity and inclusion. Recognizing that broad and effective climate action will take comprehensive community support, Moms encouraged participants from across professional arenas to work toward increased community and collaboration while committing to bring more women to positions of power and influence across our state.

January 2019

Montana moms attended the Gallatin and Park County Women’s March. Montana Organizer, Michelle Uberuaga, was invited to be one of the keynote speakers and addressed the topics of women working towards protecting public lands, how women build power, and encouraging women to continue taking action on boards, commissions, and running for office.

October 2018

Livingston moms hosted a kids voting booth with activities at the Annual Halloween Family Fun Fair.

Field organizer, Melissa Nootz was sworn in as Livingston City Commissioner.

Field organizer, Michelle Uberuaga attended and participated in Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s announcement and signing of the Yellowstone Mineral Withdrawal — protecting the public lands in Emigrant Gulch and Crevice Mountain for 20 years. About the ban he said “If I could, I would make it permanent”.

September 2018

Moms Clean Air Force Montana participated in local Peoples Climate Movement events.

Livingston Supermom and nurse, Heather J. and Superdad, Helena City Commissioner, Andres H. participated in a wildfire telepresser.

Moms Clean Air Force Montana co-hosted a screening of “Climate Change: A Conservative Solution” with CCL and UYI (Upper Yellowstone Indivisible).

August 2018

Moms Clean Air Force Montana signed on to a letter with partners, Environment Montana and Sierra Club, in response to  the repeal of the Clean Car Standards.

July 2018

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

June 2018

Moms Clean Air Force Montana members hosted a Clean Air Baby Shower in Billings.

May 2018

Moms Clean Air Force Montana hosted a Mama Summit in Livingston to learn about and celebrate local action on climate change.  

Moms Clean Air Force Montana members hosted a Clean Air Baby Shower in Livingston.

April 2018

Moms Clean Air Force Montana participated in the Annual Yellowstone River Clean-up.

Moms Clean Air Force Montana members attended a public EPA Superfund meeting.

Moms Clean Air Force Montana tabled at the Bozeman Baby Expo.

March 2018

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

Moms Clean Air Force Montana supermom, Erica Lighthiser spoke on the MT Women in Conservation Panel.

Moms Clean Air Force Montana attended a Public Lands Rally with Lisa Bullock in Bozeman.

February 2018

Moms Clean Air Force Montana members attended a Youth Climate Panel featuring Nathan Baring of Our Children’s Trust.

January 2018

Moms Clean Air Force Montana hosted a Supermom letter writing party in Helena.

December 2017

Moms Clean Air Force Montana hosted a panel discussion on public health and the economic impacts of wildfires in Montana. This discussion featured community leaders, health professionals, and moms. Attendees learned about the health and economic impacts of wildfires to our communities and received information on how to prepare for the upcoming fire seasons.

Moms Clean Air Force Montana hosted a series of house parties.

November 2017

Moms Clean Air Force Montana  co-hosted a film series, including “An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power”.

Moms Clean Air Force Montana hosted a gathering at a Billings Supermom’s home to engage on issues that are impacting the health of our children.

October 2017

Moms Clean Air Force Montana co-hosted a film series, including “From the Ashes”.

Moms Clean Air Force Montana participated in HuffPost’s Listen to America Tour in Livingston.

September 2017

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

Moms Clean Air Force Montana joined First Lady Lisa Bullock in Helena, Montana to select the winner of the summer coloring contest.

Moms Clean Air Force Montana hosted a “Play-In for Climate Action” in Helena, in conjunction with the Clean Energy Fair and Sun Run.

August 2017

Moms Clean Air Force Montana tabled in Big Sky at a family festival.

Moms Clean Air Force Montana hosted a “Mama summit”, climbing Sacajawea Peak.

Moms Clean Air Force Montana tabled at the Livingston Hoot.

July 2017

Moms Clean Air Force Montana members attended and spoke at an EPA hearing regarding lowering the water quality standards for superfund cleanup.

Moms Clean Air Force Montana attended a People’s’ Hearing in Bozeman focused on how EPA budget cuts and protective rule rollbacks being proposed would impact Montana families and communities.

Moms Clean Air Force Montana attended and testified at a EPA Public Meeting in Anaconda focused on water quality standards associated with Superfund clean-up.

Moms Clean Air Force Montana members attended the 2017 Play-In for Climate Action in Washington, DC, where they met with Senator Tester and Senator Daines.

Members of Moms Clean Air Force Montana joined a local business to ride in the Livingston 4th of July parade.

June 2017

Moms Clean Air Force Montana presented at a Rotary Club meeting.

Moms Clean Air Force Montanta hosted a Father’s Day “Missoula Meet-up and Picnic” at Silver Park, including floating the river, fishing, picnic and park meet-up.

Moms Clean Air Force Montana hosted a trail ride in Livingston.

May 2017

Moms Clean Air Force attended “Family Adventure Day” with Montana Mountain Mamas, REI and Friends of Hyalite.

April 2017

Moms Clean Air Force attended a screening of Supermom Erica Lighthiser’s HGTV off-grid Montana in Livingston, MT.

Moms Clean Air Force Montana participated in a solidarity climate march with student groups in Missoula, MT.

Moms Clean Air Force Montana attended a Celebration of Science in Gardiner, MT.

Moms Clean Air Force Montana attended the March for Science in Bozeman.

Moms Clean Air Force Montana met with staff from Senator Daines’ and Senator Tester’s offices.

March 2017

Supermom, Erica Lighthiser attended a public lands rally in Helena with her family and thanked Senator Tester for his work to protect Montana’s air and water for the next generation.

Moms Clean Air Force Montana attended a town hall hosted by Senator Tester.

Moms Clean Air Force Montana partnered with Montana Mountain Mamas to bring a bus of Livingston residents to Helena for a solar rally.

February 2017

Moms Clean Air Force Montana participated in the women’s Q-tip march on Senator Daines in Bozeman.

Moms Clean Air Force Montana supermom, Hannah hosted “Bring the town hall to Daines” in Helena.

Moms Clean Air Force Montana attended a Solar job rally and citizen lobby training in Helena.

Moms Clean Air Force Montana attended an event hosted by Senator Tester at the Bozeman Library: “Plowing Forward; Farming in a Changing Climate.”

Moms Clean Air Force hosted an outreach event in Missoula.

January 2017

Moms Clean Air Force Montana participated in a Citizen Lobby Day.

Moms Clean Air Force Montana attended Governor Steve Bullock’s 2017 Kids’ Inaugural Ball in Helena.

Moms Clean Air Force Montana marched in a local Montana Women’s March, part of a network of marches held across the country.

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

December 2016

Moms Clean Air Force Montana tabled at Bozeman Christmas stroll.

November 2016

Moms Clean Air Force Montana partnered with Montana Mountain Mamas and hosted a GOTV event at the local brewery.

October 2016

Moms Clean Air Force Montana hosted a presidential debate watch party.

Moms Clean Air Force Montana hosted a House Party in Helena.

Moms Clean Air Force Montana tabled at Harvest party.

Moms Clean Air Force Montana tabled at Raptor Fest.

Moms Clean Air Force Montana hosted a house party in Missoula.

September 2016

Moms Clean Air Force Montana hosted a Play-In for Climate Action in conjunction with Montana’s Clean Energy Fair and Sun Run.

Moms Clean Air Force Montana partnered with Montana Renewable Energy Association and Sleeping Giants Citizen Council for a Sun Run, Energy Fair and Play-in for Climate Action at the Helena Capitol.

August 2016

Field organizer, Michelle Uberuaga attended the National Park Service 100th centennial and met with Senator Jon Tester’s staff.

Moms Clean Air Force Montana hosted Every Kid in a Park at the Bozeman Public Library to celebrate Yellowstone’s Centennial with Montana Mountain Mamas.

Field organizer, Michelle Uberuaga, and her two-year-old daughter, Neva, provided video testimony for EPA’s Clean Energy Incentive Program hearing in Chicago.

July 2016

On July 8, 2016, Michelle Uberuaga and a group of Moms and bikes led the Livingston Roundup Parade (attended by 8000 people). The bike brigade followed Governor Steve Bullock.

On July 16, 2016, Michelle Uberuaga hosted the School’s Out Food Drive collection event at the community gardens.

May 2016

Moms Clean Air Force Montana hosted their first Mama Summit at the Lewis and Clark Caverns.

Moms Clean Air Force Montana members biked across the panhandle of Idaho.

Moms Clean Air Force Montana hosted a Mother’s Day Float fishing trip with Montana Mountain Mamas and Montana’s Last Best Outfitters. Attendees included First Lady Lisa Bullock and her three children, and Livingston city council women, Dorel Hoglund and her two daughters. The event was covered by outdoor reporter, Brett French of the Billings Gazette.

April 2016

Moms Clean Air Force Montana hosted a mama hike and meetup.

March 2016

Field Organizer, Michelle Uberuaga hosted a Kids Clean Air Press Conference featuring Governor Bullock, who delivered comments. With over 150 people in attendance, Governor Bullock stated that he will re-instate the Clean Power Plan advisory council if the stay is lifted and in the meantime he is moving forward with a Montana-made clean energy “blueprint.” Citing the Montana constitution he said, “clean air is your right, which makes it my responsibility.”

Moms Clean Air Force Montana hosted a number of Clean Air Kids Hikes.

February 2016

Moms Clean Air Force Montana tabled at the Winter Wildlands Alliance Backcountry ski film festival.

Moms Clean Air Force Montana hosted a “Ski-in” at Bridger Bowl. 15 moms participated throughout the day and we gathered 50 beautifully decorated hand prints that we will display in the Capitol building in Helena for our Mama Summit.

Moms Clean Air Force Montana met with a Girl Scout troop in Livingston, MT. The discussion revolved around the importance of clean air and government.

Moms Clean Air Force Montana held a series of Valentine making parties to send to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy advocating for limits on methane pollution from the oil & gas industry.

January 2016

Moms Clean Air Force Montana attended a “Women in Politics” event.

Moms Clean Air Force Montana started a weekly “clean air” hiking event.

Field organizer, Michelle Uberuaga testified at a legislative subcommittee hearing in Helena on America’s Clean Power Plan and it’s importance to Montana’s children and families.

December 5th, 2015: Moms Clean Air Force Montana co-hosted a Community Canned Food Drive: Food insecurity and Climate Change | Livingston Food Pantry, 202 S. 2nd Street, Livingston

November 3-5, 2015: Montana “Supermom” Erica Lighthiser traveled to Washington D.C.  to urge our elected officials to set strict limitations on methane emissions.

October 28, 2015: Three Montana “Supermoms” participated in a telepresser focused on America’s Clean Power Plan; the story was picked up by Montana Public Radio.

October 6, 2015: Montana Field Manager Michelle Uberuaga met with Attorney General Tim Fox to urge him not to file a lawsuit against America’s Clean Power Plan.

2021

• Press release, New Video on Electric School Buses Underscores Why Congress Must Support Bold Investments in Climate Now
• KBZK, Livingston hosts demonstration of electric school bus
• Bozeman Daily Chronicle, Livingston test drives an electric school bus
• The Livingston Enterprise, Electric bus sparks cleaner transportation conversation
• Press release, Electric School Bus Demonstration in Livingston, Montana, Promises Cleaner, Healthier Future
• Missoula Current, Column: Smart Growth is key to achieving our sustainable transit, climate goals
• Missoula Current, Sustainable Missoula: Nourishing a thriving future
• Missoula Current, Sustainable Missoula: At Providence, WE ACT to care for the climate
• Missoula Current, Sustainable Missoula: Reducing what pollutes Montana’s rivers and lakes
• Missoula Current, Sustainable Missoula: Big Sky Doc celebrates (green) silver screen event

2020

• Livingston Enterprise, Montana releases climate change plan
• Montana Free Press, New climate plan calls for carbon neutrality by 2050
• Montana Standard, Guest view: EPA not meeting responsibility on particle pollution
• Billings Gazette, Guest view: EPA not meeting responsibility on particle pollution

2019

• Public Now, Why Won’t EPA Use Science When Crafting Policy? Tester Demands Answer From Agency Chief
• Press Release, MT Mom and Teens Join Members of Congress on Capitol Hill as Part of Sweeping Movement for Climate Solutions
• The Livingston Enterprise, Without DEQ monitor, Livingston air quality unknown

2018

• The Livingston Enterprise, Healthy Food, Healthy Kids
• The Livingston Enterprise, Zinke to step down as Interior Secretary
• The Livingston Enterprise, City Commission picks a new member
• Billings Gazette, Oil drilling puts kids’ health at risk
• KXLO Radio, Health concerns from living near drilling sites
• Missoula Current, Sustainable Missoula: Missoula families deserve cleaner cars
• NM Political Report, NM grandmother recognized for one-woman fight for clean air
• Public News Service, Report Details Health Concerns from Living near Drilling Sites
• Montana Telepresser Audio Recording, NEW REPORT: Trump Administration Attacks on Methane Safeguards Threaten Rural and Urban Families, Adds to Pollution Burden of Vulnerable Populations
• Dig This Chick, Nuggets: Summer
• Missoula Current, Sustainable Missoula: Inspired Montana moms commit to causes, activism, future
• Bozeman Daily Chronicle, Mamas Summit unites women in advocacy, service
• Press Statement, Montana Leaders Push for More Moms to Run for Public Office
• Bozeman Daily Chronicle, Women to speak out, stop ‘living in the gray’
• Montana Public Radio, ‘Mama Summit’ Aims To Help Women Interested In Running For Office
• Montana Standard, Concern over EPA
• Billings Gazette, Pruitt’s policy hurts children’s health
• Billings Gazette, Methane waste should be regulated
• Montana Public Radio, EPA Sets New Timeline For Anaconda Superfund Cleanup
• KTWO News, News Clip
• Public News Service, EPA Chief Pruitt Skips Public Hearing on Clean Power Plan Repeal
• Missoula Current, Montana Voices: Why we’re going to Gillette to defend the Clean Power Plan
• Bozeman Daily Chronicle, Methane waste rule protects our resources, children
• Bozeman Daily Chronicle, Following Daines and Gianforte bills, residents rally for public lands
• Sidney Herald, Following Daines and Gianforte bills, residents rally for public lands
• KPVI News 6, Following Daines and Gianforte bills, residents rally for public lands
• The Western News, STAY VIGILANT AND DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH
• Missoula Current, Montana woman advocates for EPA funding with story of heartbreak in Anaconda

2017

• The Livingston Enterprise, Preparing for wildfire topic of Wednesday panel discussion
• Park County Environmental Council, Is fracking the future of our public lands?
• Dig This Chick, WHATEVER THE QUESTION, THE ANSWER IS LOVE
• Huffington Post, What It Was Like Living Near A Superfund Site
• Public News Service, Report: EPA Cuts Would Compromise MT Air, Water
• Video Clip, Montana mom speaks out
• Video Clip, 9 year old Margot Cline on why we should keep the air clean
• The Missoulian, Represent common ground values
• KTVH, First Lady Bullock and kids gather to pick #ProtectMT coloring contest winner
• KRTV 10pm Evening News, News Clip
• Montana Public Radio, Montanans Pitch In To Bring Clean Air To Classrooms
• The Missoulian, Montanans discuss effects of EPA cuts, regulatory rollbacks
• Insurance News Net, Montanans discuss effects of EPA cuts, regulatory rollbacks
• Bozeman Daily Chronicle, State’s delegation should work to control pollution
• Wherevent, Helena Clean Air Play-in
• Bozeman Daily Chronicle, Stand up for common decency that has long graced Montana
• The Rachel Maddow Show, Montana GOP Chair Afraid Of Too Much Voting

2016

• Independent Record, Supporting Governor Bullock’s energy plan for Montana 
• The Missoulian, Proud to support Bullock’s energy plan
• KXLH Helena, Clean Energy Fair held in Helena
• Public News Service, Clean Air Advocates Launch Ad Campaign on Montana Energy Blueprint
• Bozeman Daily Chronicle, Anything is possible; just ask President Roosevelt
• Independent Record, Montana moms celebrate Bullock’s energy plan
• Press Release, Montana Moms Celebrate Governor Bullock’s Clean Air Initiative, Energy Plan
• Public News Service, Advocates Rally in Missoula for Earth Day 2016
• The Missoulian, UM, Missoula events celebrate Earth Week
• Bozeman Daily Chronicle, Montana must commit to a future of clean energy
• KTVH, Kids Decorate Capitol With Colorful Hand-prints
• Independent Record, Elementary students push governor for clean air and water
• The Missoulian, Now is the time for clean energy
• Bozeman Daily Chronicle, Now is the time to get behind clean energy

2015

• Public News Service, Montana Clean-Air Advocates Laud Court Decision on Clean Power Plan
• Missoulian, Cutting carbon pollution will benefit MT’s children
• Great Falls Tribune, Cutting carbon pollution will benefit Montana’s children
• Billings Gazette, Climate changes affects Montana kids’ health
• Bozeman Daily Chronicle, Cutting carbon will benefit Montana’s children
• Montana Public Radio, ‘Moms Clean Air Force’ Slams ‘Clean Power Plan’ Lawsuits
• Public News Service, Montanans Visit D.C.: Clean Power Plan is in State Hands