Shining a light on one of the largest Superfund sites in the United States.

In September of 2018, Moms Clean Air Force met with newly-promoted Acting EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler in Anaconda, Montana. Anaconda is one of the largest Superfund sites in the country and has been on the EPA Superfund National Priority list for more than thirty years, but action has been slow. Montana Clean Air Moms pressured Senator Daines (R), EPA staff, and county commissioners to allow them to participate in a small “stakeholder” meeting about the cleanup.

Following the meeting, Regional EPA Administrator Benvenento spent six hours touring contaminated sites in Anaconda with Montana organizer, Melissa Nootz, and Anaconda moms.

Montana Clean Air 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 Moms & Mayors 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 went with an open mind and the idea that at the very least I’d be in a beautiful place and have meals cooked and served for me. What I didn’t expect was the connection- the connection of ideas, passions, kindred spirits- and the recognition that even if we have long way to go, look how far we have come… 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 2019, we are working to train another 30 climate champions to run for office in Montana.

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

Fighting for the cleanup of Montana’s Superfund sites.

With over 300 square miles of contaminated land, Anaconda is one of the largest Superfund sites in the country and has been on the Superfund National Priority List since 1983 due to heavy metal contamination of air, along with water and soil.

Former resident and Montana Clean Air Mom, Melissa Nootz, hosted a tour for EPA Regional Administrator Benevento of the contaminated public spaces in the city with impacted residents in October 2018. Since the tour, the long-time confidentiality gag order preventing disclosure of the cleanup was lifted, a big step forward in the cleanup process.

Our public land and natural areas are precious.

With over 30 million acres of public land — roughly one third of the state — there is no shortage of wilderness to explore in Montana. Montana is home to both Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks, which attract visitors from across the United States and internationally. Montana Clean Air 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 due to 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

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.

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.

2019

• 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