Moms in North Carolina - Moms Clean Air Force

Moms are working in North Carolina to fight for clean air and a stable climate. We host events, share information about what’s going on, and create opportunities for mothers to talk to their legislators about their concerns. Please join us in North Carolina, and let us know about your priorities.

What We’re Working On

Tell the NC Dept of Environmental Quality: Burning Plastic Is Not a Solution to the Plastics Crisis

"Advanced recycling," a.k.a. burning plastic, is not a solution to the plastic pollution crisis. It is dangerous, and it does not belong in our state. Join Moms in urging the NC DEQ to reject Waste Energy Corp's plastic burning facility in Fayetteville.

Take Action

Tell NC Lawmakers: Our Families Want Cleaner Energy, Not Higher Electricity Bills

The North Carolina General Assembly cannot afford to take our state a step backward on climate progress by eliminating the state requirement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 70% by 2030 and incentivizing the buildout of new polluting gas power plants. This legislation would lead to higher electricity bills, health harms, and climate instability.

Take Action

Meet Your North Carolina State Organizer

Ashley Hillard

Ashley Hillard is Moms’ North Carolina Field Organizer. She has spent much of her career in film and television production in Los Angeles and continues to work on documentaries focused on environmental policies and advocacy, especially the connections among biodiversity loss, climate change, and justice. Ashley recently received a Master of Environmental Management from Duke University.

Pictured: Families from North Carolina meet with their elected officials in Congress.

Contact Ashley

Highlights

North Carolina Moms fight new natural gas power plant in Person County. The plant, proposed by Duke Energy, would emit harmful air pollution, posing acute harm to surrounding neighborhoods and ultimately threatening the health and future of children across the state. In spring 2025, Moms joined our friends at Appalachian Voices to canvas the local community, raising awareness about this project.
North Carolina Moms celebrate EPA Clean School Bus awardee. In October 2024, Moms celebrated Forsyth County’s first electric school bus from the EPA Clean School Bus program, which will be used at the Arts Based School. Moms’ Chelsea Lyons talked about the importance of electric school buses to parents, guardians, students, and staff during the Arts Based School Fall Fest.
North Carolina Moms help Rockingham County win Renew America’s School Grant. In early 2024, Moms’ Chelsea Lyons wrote a letter to support Rockingham County Schools’ application for a Department of Energy grant that would allow them to make clean energy and clean air improvements at local schools. In August, she joined Secretary Jennifer Granholm at Reidsville Senior High School to celebrate the county’s $7.8 million grant award.
North Carolina Moms spread the word about federal grants for electric school buses. In August 2023, Moms Clean Air Force and our partners in North Carolina hosted a webinar about EPA’s Clean School Bus Program. Speakers covered the health and climate benefits of electric school buses and shared how local school districts can apply for funding. Watch the replay.
Moms Clean Air Force hosts important conversation about EPA community air monitoring grants in North Carolina. In February 2023, Moms’ Chelsea Lyons sat down with a panel of experts to learn about major federal investments to improve air quality in North Carolina through the Inflation Reduction Act and the American Rescue Plan. Watch the replay.

Events and Resources in North Carolina

Why We Care

North Carolina’s coastal communities face serious threats from extreme weather and rising sea levels. Stronger hurricanes, heavy rains, and 322 miles of ocean coastline make the state especially vulnerable to flooding. Without action to address climate pollution, up to 15,000 North Carolina households could face displacement by 2045. Black, Latino, and Indigenous communities, often located in flood-prone areas due to historical policies, are at even greater risk.

The state’s rising temperatures and frequent heat waves are leading to more heat-related illnesses, including heat stroke and dehydration, especially among children, older adults, and low-income populations. Poor air quality and high temperatures also raise risks of preterm birth and maternal health issues.

North Carolina has a legacy of activism, sparked by the 1982 Warren County protests that launched a movement against environmental harm in vulnerable communities.

Past Events

May 2025

On May 6, for World Asthma Day, Moms Clean Air Force North Carolina organizer Ashley Hillard dropped off postcards in support of the Clean School Bus Program to congressional offices.

April 2025

On April 26, Moms Clean Air Force North Carolina organizer Ashley Hillard tabled at the Piedmont Environmental Alliance Earth Day event.

On April 23, Moms Clean Air Force North Carolina organizer Ashley Hillard tabled at a church during a screening of the movie Feeding Tomorrow, and participated in a panel discussion with Farm and Faith CSA farmers.

On April 22, Moms Clean Air Force North Carolina organizer Ashley Hillard attended UNC’s Heat on the Streets: How You Can Help Uncover Urban Hot Spots and Vulnerabilities.

On April 19, Moms Clean Air Force North Carolina organizer Ashley Hillard tabled at the Raleigh Earth Day event.

In April, Moms Clean Air Force North Carolina organizer Ashley Hillard attended a talk with Derrick Thompson and the mayors of Durham and Raleigh about the book “Abundance.”

March 2025

On March 29, Moms Clean Air Force North Carolina organizer Ashley Hillard canvassed about methane gas proposed plants in Person county.

On March 22, Moms Clean Air Force North Carolina organizer Ashley Hillard judged a climate debate event at Wake Forest University.

On March 7, Moms Clean Air Force North Carolina organizer Ashley Hillard attended March for Science in Raleigh.

October 2024

On October 23, Moms Clean Air Force North Carolina organizer Chelsea Lyons held an electric school bus educational webinar featuring EPA staff and Electrification Coalition.

On October 19, Moms Clean Air Force North Carolina organizer Chelsea Lyons participated in electric school bus event during Fall Days in Winston-Salem to spread the word about electric school buses.

On October 11, Moms Clean Air Force North Carolina organizer Chelsea Lyons hosted a Get Out The Vote postcard party.

August 2024

On August 6, Moms Clean Air Force North Carolina organizer Chelsea Lyons attended the Renew America’s Schools award ceremony at Rockingham County School District with Secretary Granholm. Secretary Granholm announced $7.8 million to the Rockingham County School District as part of a project Moms supported.

On August 4, Moms Clean Air Force North Carolina organizer Chelsea Lyons tabled at the Triad Moms on Main Back to School Bash.

July 2024

On July 20, Moms Clean Air Force North Carolina organizer Chelsea Lyons tabled at the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market and provided information on power plants and petition signing opportunities.

June 2024

On June 15, Moms Clean Air Force North Carolina organizer Chelsea Lyons tabled at the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market and provided information on power plants and petition signing opportunities.

April 2024

On April 20, Moms Clean Air Force North Carolina organizer Chelsea Lyons tabled at Piedmont Earth Day Fair 2024.

March 2024

On March 1, Moms Clean Air Force North Carolina organizer Chelsea Lyons held a community volunteer event at a local coffee shop.

December 2023

On December 14, Moms Clean Air Force North Carolina organizer Chelsea Lyons presented at a webinar with Highland Fleets on the Clean School Bus Program.

November 2023

On November 27, Moms Clean Air Force North Carolina organizer Chelsea Lyons had a working group meeting with WRI, SACE, EPA Region 4, NC Black Alliance, Eastern Carolina University, Carolina Advocates Group to talk about Clean School Bus Program advocacy.

October 2023

On October 17, Chelsea Lyons convened a Clean School Bus Program meeting with the EPA Region 5 Office and NC advocates, including NC Black Alliance, NC Conservation Network, Carolina Advocates, and the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy.

On October 16, Moms from Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, and Washington, DC, met with the Office of Management and Budget to push for the strongest possible particle pollution (aka soot) standards.

August 2023

On August 3, Moms Clean Air Force North Carolina field organizer Chelsea Lyons hosted a webinar about EPA’s Clean School Bus Program. Speakers, including EPA Region 4’s Dale Aspy and the NC Department of Public Instruction’s Kevin Harrison, shared steps school districts can take to receive this federal funding. Watch the replay.

June 2023

On June 13 and 15, Moms Clean Air Force North Carolina coordinator Chelsea Lyons and a volunteer from Greensboro joined more than 70 Moms Clean Air Force staff and members in 22 states and Washington, DC, to testify at EPA’s virtual public hearing on proposed federal standards for carbon pollution from power plants. Read Chelsea’s testimony here.

May 2023

On May 13, Moms Clean Air Force North Carolina coordinator Chelsea Lyons hosted a booth at the Thomasville Farmers Market.

On May 10, Moms Clean Air Force North Carolina coordinator Chelsea Lyons 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 Chelsea’s testimony here.

On May 9, Moms Clean Air Force North Carolina coordinator Chelsea Lyons 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 Chelsea’s testimony here.

On May 2, Moms Clean Air Force North Carolina coordinator Chelsea Lyons 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 Chelsea’s testimony here.

April 2023

On April 22, Moms Clean Air Force North Carolina coordinator Chelsea Lyons hosted a table at the 18th Annual Piedmont Earth Day Fair at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds.

February 2023

On February 23, Moms Clean Air Force North Carolina coordinator Chelsea Lyons sat down with a panel of experts to learn about major federal investments to improve air quality in North Carolina. Watch the replay.

On February 21, Moms Clean Air Force North Carolina coordinator Chelsea Lyons 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 Chelsea’s testimony here.

January 2023

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 North Carolina coordinator Chelsea Lyons offered testimony. Read Chelsea’s testimony here.

October 2022

On October 28, North Carolina Moms hosted a Halloween coffee meetup at The Coffee Bar in Archdale to talk about climate action across the state.

Moms Clean Air Force North Carolina coordinator Chelsea Lyons gave testimony on Duke’s Carbon Plan before the NC Utilities Commission.

On October 13, Moms Clean Air Force North Carolina coordinator Chelsea Lyons hosted a Get Out the Vote event in Greensboro.

September 2022

On September 22, Moms Clean Air Force Senior Policy Analyst Elizabeth Bechard joined Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-05), Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14), Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49), Rep. Troy Carter (LA-02), Madigan Traversi and Giselle Perez from Schools for Climate Action, and the Climate Mental Health Network for a press conference on the impact of climate-related disasters on the mental health of youth.

On September 21, Moms Clean Air Force Senior Policy Analyst Elizabeth Bechard traveled from Durham to Washington, DC, to participate in a lobby day for H. Res. 975, a resolution that seeks to address the mental health impacts of climate change on young people. The lobby day was organized by Schools for Climate Action in partnership with Moms Clean Air Force and the Climate Mental Health Network. Eighth graders from the Park School in Baltimore joined for the day of meetings on Capitol Hill.

June 2022

On June 29 and 30, Moms Clean Air Force joined our partner organizations to testify before EPA in favor of several waivers allowing California to set stronger tailpipe pollution standards for heavy-duty vehicles than federally required. Read Senior Policy Analyst Elizabeth Bechard’s full testimony HERE.

April 2022

On April 20, Senior Policy Analyst Elizabeth Bechard gave testimony at EPA’s virtual public hearing for the Cross State Air Pollution Rule, which will help clean up ozone pollution that knows no borders. Read her testimony HERE.

On April 16, Kids Clean Air Force North Carolina 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.

On April 12, 13, and 14, dozens of Moms Clean Air Force staff and members from 18 states and Washington, DC, spoke out at EPA’s virtual public hearing about its proposal to clean up tailpipe pollution from heavy-duty trucks and buses. Moms Clean Air Force Senior Policy Analyst Elizabeth Bechard offered testimony. Read Elizabeth’s full testimony HERE.

February 2022

On February 24, Moms Clean Air Force North Carolina 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 Senior Policy Analyst Elizabeth Bechard offered testimony. Read Elizabeth’s testimony HERE.

June 2020

On June 19, Moms Clean Air Force hosted an event titled Let Us Breathe: A Juneteenth Conversation on Equity, Justice, and Climate in the African American Community. The event featured Representative Alma Adams (NC-12), Dr. Mildred McClain (Harambee House), Rev. Michael Malcom (The People’s Justice Council), Tina Spencer-Smith (Georgia Interfaith Power and Light), and Moms’ Houston organizer Catherine Flowers and was moderated by National Field Director Heather McTeer Toney. The conversation highlighted the continual fight for racial justice, specifically environmental injustices in the African American community and ended with a call to action to take our Environmental Justice Pledge. Watch the event HERE.

January 2017

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

June 2016

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

May 2016

Moms Clean Air Force North Carolina tabled at the Asthma Alliance Summit.

Moms Clean Air Force North Carolina hosted a Mama Summit at the NC General Assembly in Raleigh.

April 2016

Moms Clean Air Force North Carolina hosted a Read-In at Childtime Learning Center.

4th grade teacher, Debbie Baucom conducted a Read-In at Blair Elementary School, in Wilmington.

Moms Clean Air Force North Carolina attended the Breathe Conference.

Moms Clean Air Force North Carolina attended NC Breathe Conference and tabled for the first time with the Healthy Air Alliance, which Moms Clean Air Force created.

Moms Clean Air Force North Carolina hosted a luncheon–Meet, Eat, & Discover: Health Benefits of Clean Renewable Energy with Katharine Hayhoe & evening Townhall with Greg Fishel.

Moms Clean Air Force North Carolina hosted a Raleigh Read-In of “Every Breath We Take” in partnership with the NC Museum of Natural Sciences. Over 75 kids and 15 adults were in attendance.

December 2015-January 2016

North Carolina Public Hearings on the Clean Power Plan held in Charlotte, Raleigh, Wilmington.

North Carolina has been feeling the effects of our nation’s reliance on fossil fuels for decades. Breathing healthy air is essential to life, and a North Carolina Clean Power Plan can continue our state’s tradition of preserving healthy air for generations to come. For the sake of our children’s health we must ensure that our energy future is renewable, clean, and healthy. Governor McCrory can protect public health by creating a real plan to cut pollution. An effective plan will keep kids out of the hospital and in school or playing outside, and help keep older adults, athletes and outdoor workers breathing easier. We urge Governor McCrory to stop playing politics with public health. He should create a real plan to continue North Carolina’s tradition of reducing air pollution and building our clean energy economy.

November 2015

Moms Clean Air Force North Carolina co-facilitated a full-day Clean Power Plan strategy meeting with state coalition climate partners.

Moms Clean Air Force North Carolina attended the 22nd annual NC Climate Justice Summit.

Moms Clean Air Force North Carolina met with NC Attorney General’s office to discuss America’s Clean Power Plan.

Moms Clean Air Force North Carolina attended the NC Environmental Management Commission Meeting.

October 2015

Moms Clean Air Force North Carolina attended “Leadership in a Time of Rapid Change: Envisioning Solutions to Environmental Challenges” at Duke University Nicholas Institute for the Environment.

May 2015

Mama Summit 2015 – Moms Clean Air Force members gathered at the state capitol in Raleigh to call on elected officials to take action on climate. The North Carolina Mama Summit delivered a powerful message that moms, dads, grandparents, health advocates and faith leaders are united and serious about holding legislators accountable for clean air and climate justice. The impetus to act on air quality and climate is strong for North Carolina Moms Clean Air Force members, many of whom live in counties that received a failing grade from the American Lung Association’s State of the Air Report, and where imminent sea level rise and oil and gas exploration threaten the health and economy of residents throughout the state.

May 2014

Moms Clean Air Force North Carolina hosted a Charlotte, NC Town Hall on Children’s Health & Climate Change

October 2014

Moms Clean Air Force volunteers and organizers collected almost 1,000 comments in support of EPA’s carbon rule on new power plants at the annual Lake Eden Arts Festival, also known as LEAF, in Black Mountain, NC. Our team got record participation from festivalgoers from throughout the Southeast.