Ohio

Ohio moms demand protections from petrochemical disasters like the train derailment in East Palestine.

On March 22, 2023, Misti Allison, East Palestine resident and Moms Clean Air Force member, gave remarks before the US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation at their hearing about the February 2023 train derailment in her community. Misti lives just over a mile from the site of the train derailment.

The derailment caused a chemical fire that burned for two days. It was followed by a “controlled release” of known carcinogens, including vinyl chloride, from several of the tanker cars. Trains full of carcinogens are a regular part of the reckless and dangerous process of making plastic. What happened in East Palestine is a frightening example of what could happen anywhere along the petrochemical supply chain—during plastics production, shipment, or disposal.

In her testimony, Misti shared her experience of this disaster:

“Three days [after the derailment], authorities released toxic chemicals from five tankers—in a so-called ‘controlled burn.’ We watched as a huge cloud of black smoke overtook our village. It was like a bomb went off. We were all terrified. And we’re even more terrified now that we know burning vinyl chloride can result in the release of toxic chemicals that never go away, including hydrogen chloride and dioxin.

“No amount of dioxin is considered safe for humans. And the damage caused by these chemicals may not show up for many years.”

Read Misti’s full testimony here. Then watch Misti’s interview with CNN following the hearing:

Ohio 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 Ohio coordinator Tracy Sabetta and a Supermom from Columbus offered testimony.

Moms Clean Air Force hosts important conversation about EPA community air monitoring grants in Ohio.

On February 21, 2023, Moms Clean Air Force Ohio coordinator Tracy Sabetta sat down with a panel of experts to learn about major federal investments to improve air quality in Ohio. Late last year, four Ohio organizations received EPA grants for community air monitoring projects, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act and the American Rescue Plan. Our panelists shared how this funding could benefit not just the communities these organizations work in but also all Ohioans.

We heard from representatives from all four organizations that received funding, including Christian Yoka from the Cleveland Department of Public Health, Jaeydah Edwards from Groundwork Ohio River Valley, Brandi Whetstone from Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, and Terri Dzienis from Canton City Public Health.

Ohio 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 Ohio coordinator Tracy Sabetta and Supermom Peggy Berry offered testimony.

Ohio moms support the Energy Jobs & Justice Act.

On June 16, 2022, Moms Clean Air Force Ohio coordinator Tracy Sabetta moderated a conversation with State Representatives Casey Weinstein and Juanita Brent about the Energy Jobs and Justice Act. The conversation was the latest installment in the Ohio Equity Team’s monthly Environmental Justice Speaker Series.

Ohio moms have supported the Energy Jobs and Justice Act since its introduction in September 2021. This bill offers a bold, comprehensive energy policy that works for all Ohioans. It implements equitable clean energy solutions and carbon reductions that improve our health while delivering much-needed accountability, transparency, and Public Utilities Commission reform.

We are overdue in moving Ohio toward a comprehensive clean energy policy rooted in equity, economic development, and accountability. Building a strategy around solutions that are good for our economy, our communities, and our health will ensure that Ohio emerges with an energy policy designed for all Ohioans. Moms Clean Air Force is proud to be a supporter of the Energy Jobs & Justice Act.

TAKE ACTION: Join parents across the state in urging Ohio’s legislators to support the Energy Jobs & Justice Act.

Congresswoman Joyce Beatty joins Moms Clean Air Force to shine a light on health inequities in Ohio communities.

On May 17, 2022, Ohio moms hosted a panel on “Clean Air, Climate, Health Equity—And Inequity: What Must Be Done for Our Children.” Climate change is a significant threat to the health of Ohioans—especially mothers and children of color. This online conversation brought together Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-3) and State Representative Paula Hicks-Hudson with moms and a medical expert on racial disparities in maternal health care to discuss the intersection between climate and health equity.

Panelists discussed how environmental injustice impacts the health of Black mothers and children and the real-life impact of climate change on human health. They also offered ways for Ohioans to engage with federal, state, and local lawmakers and health care experts to demand stronger protections from climate and air pollution.

Ohio moms join Moms Clean Air Force members across the country to support strong standards for tailpipe pollution from trucks.

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. EPA’s trucks proposal is a welcome step forward but doesn’t go far enough. At the hearing, moms asked EPA to further strengthen the standards for heavy-duty vehicle pollution, to better protect children, people with asthma, older adults, and other vulnerable groups from the health harms of air pollution.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio coordinator Tracy Sabetta offered testimony. In her comments, she called on EPA to “go the extra mile” to protect our children’s health and future:

“There is no time to waste.” –Tracy Sabetta

Ohio 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 Ohio 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 Ohio coordinator Tracy Sabetta and Supermom Linda Hampton offered testimony. In her comments, Tracy talked about changing her diet during pregnancy:

“It was 23 years ago that my obstetrician cautioned me not to eat fish during my pregnancy. Having grown up on the shores of Lake Erie, fish had been a staple in my diet my entire life. But I did heed the warning and changed my eating habits. Now here we are 23 years later, and we are still working to reduce mercury pollution. I am sure my daughter will receive the same warning should she decide to start a family.”

Read Tracy’s full testimony HERE.

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

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio joined 38 Moms Clean Air Force staff and volunteers from 13 states and DC to deliver testimony at EPA’s 3-day public hearing about the proposed rule to cut methane and other harmful air pollutants from new and existing oil and gas operations in November and December 2021.

Methane is the main component of natural gas and a potent greenhouse gas accelerating climate change. Quickly and significantly reducing methane is one of the best levers we have to slow the rate of climate change and help clean up the air. If finalized, EPA’s proposed rule would establish the first national standards limiting methane pollution from the nation’s nearly one million existing oil and gas operations.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio organizer Tracy Sabetta and Supermom Michele Timmons offered testimony.

Ohio 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 Ohio 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 Ohio organizer Tracy Sabetta offered testimony.

“Ohio ranks fifth in the number of cars sold by state and lags embarrassingly behind in public transit infrastructure and opportunities. We are a proud automotive manufacturing state, dating back to the introduction of the Allen model in Fostoria, Ohio, in 1913… My own family is proud to include two generations of Ohio auto workers. Throughout the decades, the industry here has had to adapt to ever-changing customer demands and advances in automotive technology and design. Ohio’s workforce has risen to meet those demands every time.

“Now, we must rise to the occasion again, putting automakers back on track to meet ambitious pollution reduction goals.” –Tracy Sabetta

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

In June 2021, Ohio moms joined Moms Clean Air Force staff and volunteers from across the country to participate in EPA’s listening sessions on its upcoming oil and natural gas methane rule. The listening sessions were a unique opportunity for environmental justice and frontline communities to weigh in ahead of the proposed rulemaking. Moms advocated for at least a 65% reduction in methane pollution from oil and gas operations, compared to 2012 levels, no later than 2025.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio organizer Tracy Sabetta offered testimony. She offered her perspective as an Ohioan:

“[Ohio is] currently home to more than 103,000 oil and gas production facilities like wells, compressors, and processing stations. We rank first in the nation for total residents living within a half mile of these oil and gas facilities and second for total students attending a school, daycare, or college within a half mile of oil and gas facilities. These operations have been hailed as an economic boon for Ohio, but the increased methane produced by an unregulated industry will hit us here at home and bring along its own costs.”

Read Tracy’s full testimony HERE.

Ohio 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 Ohio 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 Ohio organizer Tracy Sabetta and Supermom Sarah Mostafa offered testimony. Tracy reflected on how important this rulemaking is for Ohio’s communities:

“Ohio ranks seventh in the nation for total carbon emissions. The American Lung Association’s 2021 State of the Air Report also indicates that nearly 200,000 Ohio children are currently battling asthma. We also see racial disparities in these asthma rates as low-wealth and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, people of color) communities experience disproportionate harm from vehicle pollution. Restoring state authority to limit pollution from dirty vehicles would subsequently help advance environmental justice, addressing inequitable transportation-related health impacts and protecting our most vulnerable.”

Read Tracy’s full testimony HERE.

Ohio moms speak out against House Bill 6.

In July 2020, the FBI arrested former Ohio Speaker Larry Householder and his associates in an alleged $61 million bribery scandal connected to House Bill 6. This is the nuclear and coal bailout bill that cost consumers more than $1.3 billion, destroyed Ohio jobs, and stripped away clean energy programs that would have protected Ohioans health during the coronavirus pandemic.

Despite widespread opposition from Ohioans before the bill passed and outrage over the news that HB 6 was passed as part of “likely the largest bribery scheme ever perpetrated against the state of Ohio,” this bad bill remains in place in the fall of 2020. The Ohio House Select Committee on Energy Policy and Oversight continues to drag its feet on HB 6 repeal efforts and has not yet invited the public to testify on this corrupt legislation. In fact, Committee Chairman Hoops recently announced that the committee will not meet to consider a repeal of HB 6 until further notice.

Ohioans deserve to be heard, which is why a coalition of stakeholder groups, including Moms Clean Air Force, convened a series of virtual public hearings on the need to repeal HB 6 in October 2020. Moms Clean Air Force Ohio organizer Tracy Sabetta moderated the three-evening event. More than 70 individuals offered testimony over the course of the hearings, including Moms Clean Air Force members, Ohioans concerned about clean energy and cleaning up corruption, public health professionals, representatives of the faith community, students and young people, environmental activists, scientists, and concerned citizens from across the state. Legislators from both parties also listened in.

These citizen hearings worked. The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee announced in November that it will hold a public hearing on SB 346, legislation to fully repeal HB 6. Ohio moms will submit written testimony to the committee, and Tracy is working with coalition members to compile nearly 50 individual pieces of testimony from the citizen hearings to submit into the formal hearing record.

Watch all three public hearings HERE.

Ohio moms hold utility regulators accountable.

On November 20, 2020, Sam Randazzo resigned as the chair of Ohio’s Public Utilities Commission. The announcement came just days after the FBI searched Randazzo’s home as part of its investigation into the House Bill 6 bribery scandal.

Moms Clean Air Force and our partners at the Ohio Consumer Power Alliance have been calling for Randazzo’s replacement on the commission since August. Randazzo has deep ties to FirstEnergy—the Akron-based electric utility implicated in the HB 6 bribery scandal—and as chair of the commission that regulates all Ohio’s public utilities, he also has a track record of standing in the way of clean energy. He delayed several large-scale solar projects despite his staff’s recommendation for approval. And he hamstrung utilities’ ability to offer voluntary energy waste reduction programs that would save their customers money. He took these actions at the expense of clean air and our children’s future.

Ohio moms help pass renewable energy plan in Columbus.

On Election Day 2020, 76% of voters in Columbus, Ohio, voted to pass the Midwest’s largest community choice aggregation program. The Columbus Community Choice Aggregation Plan will ensure that 100% of the city’s electricity will be generated from renewable energy sources by 2022. The plan will protect our children’s health by reducing air pollution and will create clean energy jobs in our communities.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio played an important role in the passage of this plan, endorsing it early on and enlisting public health experts to promote it. We attended press conferences about the plan, reached out to voters with phone banking, and wrote letters to the editor.

Ohio moms applaud big step forward for Icebreaker wind farm.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio and partners shared a huge victory on September 17, 2020, when the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) voted unanimously to remove the “poison pill” provision that had sabotaged the Icebreaker wind turbine project in May. Icebreaker, a 20.7-megawatt pilot project planned for Lake Erie, 10 miles off the coast of Cleveland, could be the nation’s first freshwater wind farm. For years, Ohio moms have worked to get this wind farm approved, testifying before the OPSB and Public Utilities Commission and holding Ohio officials accountable for their efforts to block the project.

Additional hearings are still needed to finalize Icebreaker, but it is moving forward again and poised to bring 500 jobs and $250 million in investment to Ohio. The wind farm could bring clean energy to more than 7,000 homes across the state.

Ohio moms join Moms Clean Air Force members across the country to demand stronger protections against deadly soot.

In May 2020, Moms Clean Air Force Ohio 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 Ohio is continuing to engage in serious and consequential advocacy and outreach during the coronavirus pandemic.

Ohio field organizer Tracy Sabetta and her daughter, Madison, offered testimony.

Moms Clean Air Force helps Ohio push for bold climate legislation.

In November 2019, Congressman Donald McEachin (VA-04) introduced the 100% Clean Economy Act of 2019 with Representatives Deb Haaland (NM-01), Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Earl Blumenauer (OR-3), Paul Tonko (NY-20), and Chellie Pingree (ME-01). This ambitious national bill aims to eliminate all climate pollution—including from transportation, electricity, buildings, and agriculture—by no later than 2050.

In the months leading up to the release of the bill, Ohio moms met with Members of Congress across the state to urge them to join as co-sponsors. Moms Clean Air Force Ohio thanks Representatives Joyce Beatty (OH-03) and Tim Ryan (OH-13) for being among the over 150 original co-sponsors leading on this issue.

Learn more about the bill HERE.

Ohio moms help raise awareness around racial disparities in infant mortality throughout the state.

While infant mortality rates in Ohio reached the second all-time low in 2017 since 1939, this statistic only paints half the picture. The rates of infant mortality of white babies is steadily decreasing as the rates of infant mortality of black babies rises. The disparities are staggering—black infants die at three times higher rates than white infants in Ohio. In fact, from 2013 to 2015, Ohio had the highest black infant mortality rate in the country.

At the 2018 Mom Power Summit in Columbus, Moms Clean Air Force Ohio helped shine a spotlight on this issue. Five speakers with expertise in environmental pollution and infant mortality presented on the leading causes of infant mortality and what can be done to help address them. Ohio nurses received continuing education credits for participating in the summit. Attendees also included representatives from the Columbus mayor’s office, Councilwoman Liz Brown’s office, and Congresswoman Joyce Beatty’s office.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio is continuing this fight, pushing the state to address this issue head on. We are also working to educate moms and health care providers on the effects of environmental pollution on infants through our Baby Power campaign.

Ohio and Midwest Moms Clean Air Force members make powerful statement to the Big Three Automakers.

Moms Clean Air Force has been fighting against the rollback of the Clean Car Standards. These standards lower climate-harming pollution and help families save money at the pump—but the Trump administration is trying to dismantle them. One of the main auto-producing states, Ohio is critically important in this fight.

To urge automakers to oppose the rollback, Moms Clean Air Force members from Ohio, Illinois, and Michigan delivered over 13,000 petitions to the Big Three Automakers as well as published op-eds and launched a social media accountability campaign. Moms also attended the September 2018, EPA hearings in Dearborn, Michigan, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Fresno, California, to make it clear that moms across the country want cleaner cars and expect our automakers to provide them.

Helping Ohio’s communities build a clean energy future.

Congratulations to Granville for becoming the 40th Ohio community to join Power a Clean Future Ohio (PCFO)! On October 12, 2022, the Granville Village Council voted to adopt a resolution to join Power a Clean Future Ohio and adopt a goal to reduce climate pollution in the village.

In February 2020, Moms Clean Air Force and partner organizations across Ohio launched Power a Clean Future Ohio, an initiative that connects local elected officials with businesses, faith groups, and advocacy organizations to help them identify equitable, local solutions to the climate crisis. Together, political, business, faith, and climate leaders are working to inform and incentivize community-level action to reduce climate pollution and spur economic growth and development.

Moms Clean Air Force in Ohio was a sponsor of the 2021 Ohio Clean Energy Summit virtual conference in May 2021. We have also utilized our relationships with mayors around Ohio to ask them to sign the PCFO 30 by 30 pledge, supporting the goal of reducing a city’s carbon footprint 30% below 2010 levels by 2030.

Read the latest news about Power a Clean Future Ohio HERE.

Advocating for Ohio River Valley workers, communities, and the environment

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio is part of the ReImagine Appalachia coalition, which came together in support of a 21st century economy that’s good for Appalachian workers, communities, and the environment. ReImagine is a broad and inclusive coalition of individuals and organizations who have come together around a recognition that the economy has not been working for most people and places in the Ohio River Valley.

On August 23, 2021, Ohio moms joined with a diverse array of 25 Ohio stakeholders, including the Ohio AFL-CIO, business owners, community, faith-based, racial justice, environmental and other organizations, in submitting a letter to members of the state’s congressional delegation supporting a national infrastructure plan that reflects the contributions made by those in the Appalachian region to the nation’s prosperity over the last century. This group of Ohio leaders urged our lawmakers to not pass up this once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in our infrastructure, family-sustaining jobs, and a cleaner environment for future generations in the Appalachian region. It is time to restore hope and property to Appalachia and Ohio.

ReImagine Appalachia will be hosting virtual events throughout the fall open to Moms members across the region. Take a moment to see what is coming up next.

Working to transition Ohio’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. Ohio moms have hit the road to build support for clean, electric school buses. We are 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.

In January 2023, Moms Clean Air Force participated in the first meeting of the Ohio Clean School Bus Funding Coalition, a stakeholder group convened by EPA and the Ohio School Boards Association. The coalition includes members from Ohio state agencies, clean air advocates, transportation professionals, and utility representatives. The goal of the coalition is to increase the number of Ohio school districts applying for funds through the federal Clean School Bus Program and to provide information and technical assistance to those developing plans to electrify their bus fleets and reduce harmful diesel emissions.

Learn more about electric school buses HERE.

Working with Moms in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia to protect our children’s health from climate pollution.

Just as the energy sector works to build cross-state infrastructure, Moms Clean Air Force field organizers and volunteers from Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia are working together to advocate for climate safety. By implementing commonsense environmental regulations, reducing greenhouse gas pollution, and embracing clean energy opportunities, the tri-state area can build a strong economy that prioritizes our children’s health and equity across communities.

Watch the second in our series of tri-state energy updates here:

Offering a strong voice at the Ohio Energy Table.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio is a founding partner of the Ohio Energy Table, a statewide coalition of environmental, conservation, health, faith, and labor partners working to promote clean energy and energy efficiency. Through our participation in the Energy Table, we work closely with state lawmakers and administration officials on energy and environmental policies.

Moms & Mayors

Through the Moms & Mayors program, Moms Clean Air Force members across the country are engaging in local advocacy efforts in support of advancing carbon reduction strategies to create a healthier future for our children. Moms in Ohio are working with Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley, through Power a Clean Future Ohio, to build momentum around local clean air and clean energy initiatives across the state.

Our cities are making strong climate commitments.

Despite state efforts to hinder the transition to renewable energy, Ohio cities are fighting back with strong commitments to 100% clean and renewable energy. In September 2018, Cleveland became the first city in Ohio to commit to 100% renewable energy by 2050. Cincinnati soon followed, committing to an even more ambitious goal of 100% renewable energy by 2035. In October 2019, Lakewood City became the third city to commit to clean energy, with the goal of 100% clean energy for city facilities by 2025 and community-wide by 2035.

Building on this momentum, Moms Clean Air Force and our partners across Ohio launched Power a Clean Future Ohio in February 2020. This initiative works with local officials to create carbon-reduction plans and implement them in ways that are achievable, measurable, equitable, and economical. Since the initiative was launched, 27 Ohio communities have joined the program and set measurable goals for reducing carbon pollution.

Our children breathe polluted air.

Smog, or ground-level ozone, is a big issue in Ohio’s three largest metropolitan areas. In 2022, Cuyahoga (Cleveland) and Hamilton (Cincinnati) Counties both received an F grade from the American Lung Association, while Franklin County (Columbus) received a C grade, based on the number of code orange and red ozone pollution days. Ozone irritates the lungs, can trigger asthma attacks, interferes with normal lung development, and increases the risk of respiratory infections.

But Ohio’s smog issues extend beyond these major cities.

Nine out of 34 counties in Ohio that monitor ozone air pollution received a D or F grade.

Fracking endangers our communities and children.

In 2020, Ohio produced 31 times more natural gas than it did in 2010, primarily from the Utica Shale region. There are currently over 100,000 active oil and gas wells, compressors, and processors in the state with nearly 3.3 million Ohioans living within a half-mile radius of these sites, according to the Oil and Gas Threat Map. Because of their proximity to the infrastructure of the shale boom, these millions of residents are at increased risk of exposure to toxic pollution from natural gas operations. According to U.S. News and World Report, Ohio is second only to Texas in the number of state residents most threatened by oil and gas pollution. As Ohio’s fracking industry is booming, Ohio families and communities bear the costs.

Wastewater, a dangerous by-product of the fracking industry, is injected deep into the bedrock of Ohio communities. A “slurry” of water and sand, fracking wastewater also contains arsenic, lead, formaldehyde, mercury, and other often-undisclosed toxins. This practice has widespread impacts, including earthquakes, toxic spills, and the contamination of groundwater.

And Ohio isn’t just “disposing” of its own wastewater. Much of Pennsylvania’s wastewater gets trucked across state lines and dumped into Ohio communities to bypass stricter regulations in Pennsylvania.

Moms Clean Air Force is committed to protecting frontline communities from oil and gas pollution and is a partner in the Ohio Methane Coalition, supporting strong, effective US EPA regulations to reduce harmful methane emissions from both new and existing natural gas and oil wells.

Past Events

May 2023

On May 9, Moms Clean Air Force Ohio coordinator Tracy Sabetta 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 Tracy’s testimony here.

On May 9, Moms Clean Air Force Ohio coordinator Tracy Sabetta 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 Tracy’s testimony here.

On May 3, Moms Clean Air Force Ohio coordinator Tracy Sabetta participated in an Air Quality Awareness Week panel for the Cleveland Department of Public Health. The event included a public screening of the film “Unbreathable: The Fight for Clean Air” and post-screening Q&A.

On May 2, Moms Clean Air Force Ohio coordinator Tracy Sabetta 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 Tracy’s testimony here.

March 2023

On March 22, Misti Allison, East Palestine resident and Moms Clean Air Force member, gave testimony before the Senate Commerce Committee during their hearing on the February 2023 train derailment in East Palestine. Read Misti’s testimony.

On March 9, Moms Clean Air Force showed up in force for the US Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works hearing about the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. No one from the community was invited to testify at the hearing, so three Moms members from East Palestine came to put a face to the disaster. Moms Clean Air Force staff and members from Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Louisiana, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC, also attended. Watch our Moms in action.

February 2023

In February, Moms Clean Air Force Ohio coordinator Tracy Sabetta and a Supermom from Columbus 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 Tracy’s testimony here.

On February 22, Moms Clean Air Force Ohio coordinator Tracy Sabetta presented on electric school buses during the ReImagine Appalachia transportation electrification listening session. Watch the replay.

On February 21, Moms Clean Air Force Ohio coordinator Tracy Sabetta sat down with a panel of experts to learn about major federal investments to improve air quality in Ohio. Watch the replay.

On February 7, Moms Clean Air Force Ohio coordinator Tracy Sabetta gave a presentation about electric school buses in Ohio to the BlueGreen Alliance Ohio state table meeting.

On February 6, Moms Clean Air Force Ohio coordinator Tracy Sabetta joined the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) for a panel discussion about navigating the lines between advocacy and lobbying about climate change. She was joined on the panel by Doug Farquhar, Director of Government Affairs, NEHA, and Michael Pascucilla, Chief Executive Officer/Director of Health, East Shore District Health Department.

January 2023

On January 31, Moms Clean Air Force Ohio coordinator Tracy Sabetta gave a presentation about electric school buses during the ReImagine Appalachia biweekly campaign update briefing.

On January 12, Almeta Cooper, Moms Clean Air Force’s National Manager for Health Equity, joined Global Shapers of Cleveland, Black Environmental Leaders, and Freshwater Cleveland for a virtual event titled “Changing the Shape of Air Quality.” Almeta was joined on the panel by Yvonka Hall, Executive Director, NEO Black Health Coalition; Christina Yoka, Chief of Air Pollution Outreach, Cleveland Department of Public Health Division of Air Quality; and Tim Kovach, Air Quality Planner, Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency. Watch the replay.

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 Ohio coordinator Tracy Sabetta and Supermom Peggy Berry offered testimony. Read Tracy’s testimony here.

On January 10, Moms Clean Air Force Ohio coordinator Tracy Sabetta attended the ReImagine Appalachia 2023 Strategy Summit. During the summit, she gave a presentation about EPA’s Clean School Bus Program and Moms’ work in Ohio to increase the number of school districts applying for funds. She also facilitated a session on transportation electrification. Watch the replay.

December 2022

On December 16, Moms Clean Air Force Ohio coordinator Tracy Sabetta joined Power a Clean Future Ohio and the Ohio Mayor’s Alliance for the Clean Energy Champion Award ceremony in Columbus. Watch the highlights.

On December 13, Moms Clean Air Force Ohio coordinator Tracy Sabetta participated in a virtual webinar about the public health impacts of climate change and the role of advocacy in policy change hosted by Green Energy Ohio. Watch the replay.

October 2022

On October 19, Moms Clean Air Force Ohio state coordinator Tracy Sabetta welcomed attendees to the Ohio Equity Team October Speaker Series conversation featuring Crystal MC Davis from the Alliance for the Great Lakes.

On October 15, Moms Clean Air Force Ohio coordinator Tracy Sabetta joined EPA Administrator Michael Regan in Cleveland to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act.

September 2022

On September 15, Moms Clean Air Force Ohio coordinator Tracy Sabetta joined Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and newly appointed White House climate advisor Ali Zaidi in Toledo for the Biden administration’s announcement of the new “Buy Clean” initiative funded through the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

On September 9, Moms Clean Air Force Ohio state coordinator Tracy Sabetta spoke at an Environmental Evangelical Network meeting in Cleveland. She shared information about methane and its impact on climate and children’s health in Cuyahoga County, as well as ideas for taking action on climate from a place of faith and love.

August 2022

On August 18, Moms Clean Air Force and our partners in Ohio hosted the August installment of the Ohio Environmental Justice Speaker Series. Speakers Whitney Taylor Washington and Bev Reed talked about the impacts of the waste incinerator in East Liverpool, Martins Ferry, petrochemicals, fracking, and more.

July 2022

On July 21, Moms Clean Air Force Ohio state coordinator Tracy Sabetta moderated the Ohio Equity Team July Speaker Series event, “Connecting the Dots Between Climate Change and Health Equity.” The event featured Almeta Cooper, Moms’ National Manager for Health Equity. Watch the replay.

June 2022

On June 16, Moms Clean Air Force Ohio coordinator Tracy Sabetta moderated a virtual conversation with State Representatives Juanita Brent and Casey Weinstein about Ohio’s Energy Jobs & Justice Act. The event was part of the Ohio Equity Team’s monthly environmental justice webinar series. Watch the replay.

May 2022

On May 19, Moms Clean Air Force Ohio co-hosted an Ohio Environmental Justice Speaker Series event about environmental justice and COVID-19.

On May 17, Moms Clean Air Force hosted “Clean Air, Climate, Health Equity—And Inequity: What Must Be Done for Our Children.” This online conversation featured Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, State Representative Paula Hicks Hudson, Dr. Arthur James, and Supermom Katrina Blasingame and was moderated by Almeta Cooper, Moms Clean Air Force’s National Manager for Health Equity. Panelists talked about how environmental injustice impacts the health of Black mothers and children, the real-life impact of climate change to human health, and ways you can engage with lawmakers and health care experts to demand stronger protections from climate and air pollution. Watch the replay.

April 2022

On April 23, Moms Clean Air Force Supermom Michele Timmons showcased her Chevy Bolt at the Drive Electric Earth Day Columbus event at Genoa Park.

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 Ohio coordinator Tracy Sabetta offered testimony.

March 2022

On March 22, Moms Clean Air Force Ohio co-hosted a press conference and informational webinar featuring lawmakers and researchers coming together to highlight the urgency of investing in electric vehicle manufacturing in Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana. Watch the replay.

February 2022

On February 24, Moms Clean Air Force Ohio 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 Ohio coordinator Tracy Sabetta and Supermom Linda Hampton offered testimony. Read Tracy’s testimony HERE.

December 2021

On December 9, Moms Clean Air Force participated with our Ohio coalition partners in a rally at the Ohio Statehouse in support of legislation to repeal the coal subsidies in House Bill 6.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio joined 38 Moms Clean Air Force staff and volunteers from 13 states and DC to deliver testimony at EPA’s 3-day public hearing about the proposed rule to cut methane and other harmful air pollutants from new and existing oil and gas operations in November and December 2021. Moms Clean Air Force Ohio organizer Tracy Sabetta and Supermom Michele Timmons offered testimony. Read Tracy’s full testimony HERE, and read Michele’s full testimony HERE.

October 2021

On October 1, Moms Clean Air Force Ohio organizer Tracy Sabetta joined moms from across the country in a meeting with the Office of Management and Budget about the proposed EPA methane rule for new and existing sources.

September 2021

On September 29, Moms Clean Air Force Ohio organizer Tracy Sabetta submitted testimony in support of legislation to repeal the coal subsidies provided in House Bill 6, repeal the mechanism that would allow for subsidies to those coal plants again, and refund the dollars already collected from Ohio ratepayers.

On September 21, Moms Clean Air Force Ohio organizer Tracy Sabetta attended the launch of the Energy Jobs & Justice Act (HB 429), which would implement equitable clean energy solutions and carbon reductions that improve health while delivering much-needed accountability, transparency, and Public Utilities Commission reform.

On September 16, Moms Clean Air Force Ohio organizer Tracy Sabetta participated in the Ohio Equity Team speaker series event featuring Peggy Ann Berry.

On September 9, Moms Clean Air Force Ohio organizer Tracy Sabetta attended the ReImagine Appalachia virtual press conference highlighting local officials who are calling on Congress to increase climate infrastructure investments in Appalachia. More than 100 elected officials from across the region endorsed the Appalachia Climate Infrastructure Plan, and Youngstown Mayor Tito Brown spoke during the event.

August 2021

On August 25, Ohio organizer Tracy Sabetta 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. Read Tracy’s testimony HERE.

On August 19, Moms Clean Air Force Ohio organizer Tracy Sabetta moderated this month’s Ohio Environmental Justice Speaker Series (EJSS), featuring SeMia Bray and Amanda Woodrum. Watch the replay.

July 2021

On July 15, Moms Clean Air Force Ohio organizer Tracy Sabetta participated in the fourth Ohio Equity Team speaker series event featuring former Toledo mayor and current State Representative Paula Hicks-Hudson.

On July 7 and 8, Moms Clean Air Force Ohio organizer Tracy Sabetta participated in a two-day training with the Racial Equity Institute.

June 2021

On June 17, Moms Clean Air Force Ohio co-sponsored the Ohio Equity Team Brown Bag Luncheon, featuring Jacqueline Patterson, Senior Director, Environmental and Climate Justice Program, NAACP.

Ohio moms joined Moms Clean Air Force staff and volunteers from across the country to participate in EPA’s listening sessions on its upcoming oil and natural gas methane rule. Ohio organizer Tracy Sabetta offered testimony. Read Tracy’s testimony.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio field organizer Tracy Sabetta attended the 2021 RE-AMP annual meeting.

On June 2, 2021, Ohio organizer Tracy Sabetta and Supermom Sarah Mostafa 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 Tracy’s testimony.

May 2021

On May 27, Moms Clean Air Force Ohio organizer Tracy Sabetta participated in the virtual Ohio Climate Recovery Day of Action hosted by the League of Conservation Voters in conjunction with President Joe Biden’s visit to Cleveland.

On May 20, Moms Clean Air Force Ohio co-sponsored the Ohio Equity Team Brown Bag Luncheon, featuring Simone Lightfoot of the National Wildlife Federation.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio co-sponsored the Ohio Clean Energy Summit, May 17 to 20. Dr. Aparna Bole, a Moms Clean Air Force supermom, was a panelist at the marquee event on Thursday, May 20.

On May 12, Moms Clean Air Force Ohio field organizer Tracy Sabetta provided written testimony to the Ohio Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee in support of Senate Bill 117, which would repeal the coal subsidies currently collected by the Ohio Valley Electric Corporation. Read her testimony.

April 2021

On April 29, Moms Clean Air Force Senior Advisor Heather McTeer Toney was the inaugural speaker at the Ohio Environmental Justice Speaker Series. The event was moderated by Moms Clean Air Force Ohio organizer Tracy Sabetta.

On April 28, Moms Clean Air Force Ohio organizer Tracy Sabetta was a panelists at the League of Women Voters Ohio’s event titled The Intersection of State Budget and Social Justice. Tracy spoke about what repeal or partial repeal of HB 6 could look like. Watch the replay.

October 2020

On October 29, Moms Clean Air Force Ohio joined partner organizations from around the state for the last day of public hearings to repeal House Bill 6. Ohio organizer Tracy Sabetta moderated the event. Watch the replay.

On October 27, Moms Clean Air Force Ohio joined partner organizations from around the state for the second day of public hearings to repeal House Bill 6. Ohio organizer Tracy Sabetta moderated the event. Watch the replay.

On October 21, Moms Clean Air Force Ohio joined partner organizations from around the state for the first day of public hearings to repeal House Bill 6. The hearings were organized by a coalition of state environmental organizations because—three months after the FBI arrested former Ohio Speaker Larry Householder and his associates in an alleged $60 million bribery scandal connected to HB 6—the Ohio House Select Committee on Energy Policy and Oversight continues to drag its feet on repeal efforts and has not yet invited the public to testify on this corrupt legislation. At this first of three hearings, more than 20 witnesses, including three of our Ohio members, testified, and Ohio organizer Tracy Sabetta moderated the event. More than 60 Ohioans listened in. Watch the replay.

On October 1, Moms Clean Air Force Ohio co-sponsored a conversation with Ohio Citizen Action’s Anastazia Vanisko, Black Environmental Leaders’ SeMia Brae, and Environmental Health Watch’s Kim Foreman about energy needs in Northeast Ohio, both today and in the future. Panelists spoke about the positive impact of transitioning to clean energy on community health, wealth, and well-being. Listen to the conversation HERE.

September 2020

On September 30, Moms Clean Air Force Ohio organizer Tracy Sabetta, Pennsylvania organizer Vanessa Lynch, and West Virginia organizer Leah Barbor sat down to discuss energy policy in their states and ways moms are working to ensure climate safety for our children. Watch the video HERE.

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.

Ohio moms participated in a virtual press conference on September 29 to announce that 11 environmental groups had endorsed Issue 1, the campaign to support a 100% renewable energy aggregation ballot initiative scheduled for November in Columbus. Read the press release that accompanied the announcement HERE.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio co-hosted a Northeast Ohio tele-townhall on September 22 with more than 200 participants on the phone line. Speakers included Jean Su from the Center for Biological Diversity, Dr. Aparna Bole from University Hospitals in Cleveland, Crystal Davis from the Alliance for the Great Lakes, and Achilles Morales from the Ohio Equity Team Voting Ambassadors Program. The conversation highlighted equitable opportunities to build power toward a clean energy future in Ohio localities.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio organizer Tracy Sabetta and Pennsylvania organizer Vanessa Lynch sat down to discuss the largest public corruption case in Ohio history and Tracy’s work with coalition partners on the repeal of House Bill 6, which imposed energy bill rate hikes for Ohioans in order to bailout a corrupt energy company. Watch the video HERE.

June 2020

On June 25, Ohio field organizer Tracy Sabetta joined Moms Clean Air Force organizers from across the country to offer comment in a meeting with OMB officials on the EPA’s proposed methane rule.

May 2020

Ohio 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. Ohio organizer Tracy Sabetta testified with her daughter, Madison, in favor of following science and strengthening the existing rule.

April 2020

Ohio moms participated in a virtual Earth Day Town Hall featuring Senator Sherrod Brown. Cleveland was an epicenter of change 50 years ago when the response to the Cuyahoga River catching fire played a central role in igniting a nationwide movement that led to the first Earth Day, the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency, and the passing of the Clean Water Act. On this 50th anniversary of the first Earth Day, Sen. Brown and other panelists addressed the multiple, intertwined crises faced today with the Covid-19 pandemic, societal inequities, and climate change.

October 2019

Members of Moms Clean Air Force from around the country, including Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas, testified in Dallas at the only public hearing on the EPA’s proposed repeal of the methane rule. Read more HERE.

October 2018

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio organizer Laura Burns presented at a United Methodist Women district meeting in Canfield.

Field organizer Laura Burns participated in a telepresser organized by the Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) in response to methane rollbacks.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio hosted a GOTV event in Mansfield in cooperation with the Richland County Board of Elections.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio tabled at the Happy Healthy Holy Conference with the Evangelical Environmental Network.

September 2018

Field organizer Laura Burns was the featured speaker for the Capitol Area United Methodist Women district meeting on September 22. She spoke to 68 women about climate change, children’s health, and the biblical imperative to care for others.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio tabled at the Loundonville Health Fair.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio tabled at the Wexner Center for the Truth Has Changed event.

August 2018

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio attended a solar conference in Bexley with Mayor Kessler.

July 2018

Field organizer Laura Burns presented at a Clean Cars press event.

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

June 2018

Field organizer Laura Burns spoke at All Souls UU Church.

May 2018

Field organizer Laura Burns joined Midwest field organizer Kelly Nichols in Detroit to deliver over 13,000 petition signatures from Moms Clean Air Force members demanding that the Big Three Automakers—Ford, Chrysler, and GM—continue enforcing the Clean Car Standards.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio hosted a Mama Summit in Columbus to learn about and celebrate local action on climate change. Representatives from the Columbus mayor’s office, Councilwoman Liz Brown’s office, and Congresswoman Joyce Beatty’s office were present.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio tabled at the United Methodist Women assembly with Beth Bond from the Evangelical Environmental Network.

April 2018

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio is tabled at the Coshoctan Earth Day Festival.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio spoke on a bipartisan climate solutions panel.

Moms Clean Air Force participated in the Malone Faith and Creation event in partnership with the Evangelical Environmental Network and Youth Evangelicals for Climate Action.

March 2018

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio participated in the kick-off of the 22nd Anniversary Earth Stewardship Celebration in Mansfield.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio participated in WooTalks Methane and Pipelines.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio hosted a showing of the film Keeping Watch.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio hosted a house party to connect with new and existing members and learn more about climate and health issues.

February 2018

Field organizer Laura Burns spoke on a Climate Solutions Panel at Ohio State University.

January 2018

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio hosted a State of the Union watch party at Gateway Film Center.

December 2017

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio hosted a Health Summit in Cincinnati.

September 2017

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

August 2017

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio tabled at the Madsion Farmers’ Market.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio tabled at Ohio State University-Mansfield for the Involvement Fair.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio members testified at a Citizen Hearing focused on the EPA budget.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio attended a free screening of An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power in Columbus.

July 2017

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio tabled at the Oneness Family Fest in Cincinnati.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio members attended the 2017 Play-In for Climate Action in Washington, DC, where they met with Senator Brown and Senator Portman’s staff.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio marched in the Columbus Red White and Boom parade.

Field consultant Laura Burns spoke at an accountability event at Senator Portman’s Cincinnati office.

June 2017

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio attended the Cuyahoga River memorial event.

Field organizer Laura Burns participated in a DC fly-in organized by Earthjustice focused on communicating with members of Congress and EPA staff on ozone and children’s health.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio tabled and spoke at the Cincinnati Climate Rally.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio tabled at event with OEC at the Women’s Club in Cincinnati.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio sponsored the Green Cincinnati Thought Leader event.

May 2017

Field organizer Laura Burns spoke during the Sunday service at the Bellville Unitarian Universalist Church.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio hosted Mama Summit 2017 at the Statehouse in Columbus. Participants joined for advocacy training and lobby visits to advocate for the health and wellness of our children.

April 2017

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio attended and spoke at the Peoples Climate Rally in Cincinnati.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio attended the Coshocton Earth Day Celebration.

Field organizer Laura Burns spoke on a panel at a Keep Wayne Wild event.

March 2017

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio hosted a press conference in Mansfield to highlight disapproval of President Trump’s executive order that attacks clean air safeguards.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio attended the Raising Richland County Community Garden Summit.

February 2017

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio hosted a rally outside Senator Portman’s Columbus office to let him know that moms disapprove of his vote to confirm Scott Pruitt to head EPA. View a video clip here.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio hosted a rally to thank Senator Brown for his commitment to vote no on Scott Pruitt’s nomination to head EPA.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio attended the Earth Stewardship Celebration Kickoff.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio joined the Richland County Environmental Stewardship Committee.

January 2017

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio field organizer Laura Burns traveled to DC with her children to meet with her senators to express why the nomination of Scott Pruitt to head EPA is concerning for Ohioans. Later in the month, Laura attended Scott Pruitt’s EPA nomination committee hearing in DC.

November 2016

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio mobilized Frontline Moms in response to legislation that would turn Ohio’s clean energy standards into unenforceable goals for the next three years and allow Ohio’s largest mercantile customers to opt out of energy efficiency programs completely.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio attended a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing on SB 320.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio was represented at the CAC Thought Leaders Forum at Ohio State University with speakers from Ohio State’s Byrd Polar Climate and Research Center and a public health speaker.

Field manager Tracy Sabetta attended an editorial board meeting with the Canton Repository.

September 2016

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio field organizer Laura Burns attended a Thought Leaders on Climate event in Cleveland.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio attended the Ohio EPA Rover Pipeline hearing in Wooster.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio hosted a GOTV breakfast at the NC State Urban Center in Mansfield.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio hosted a Play-In for Climate Action in Mansfield.

August 2016

Representatives from Ohio Environmental Council, Moms Clean Air Force, and other local environmental groups discussed the health and environmental impacts of compressor stations at an Environmental Health Town Hall.

June 2016

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

Field organizer Laura Burns taught a summer science class on pollution and clean energy at Little Buckeye Children’s Museum.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio attended the Good Jobs, Green Jobs Conference.

May 2016

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio attended the Audubon Grange Gardening for Climate event.

Field organizer Laura Burns was interviewed by Cincinnati Fox19 news for a report on the air pollution in Hamilton County.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio attended the Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing on Senate Bill 320.

Field manager Tracy Sabetta represented Moms Clean Air Force during a presentation to the Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus on May 4. Tracy discussed the health benefits of implementing the Clean Power Plan at the state level and reinstating Ohio’s renewable energy and energy efficiency standards. All 10 state senators and their staff were present and asked questions about the information presented.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio recruited mother Rashay Layman to participate in a roundtable discussion with Columbus City Councilwoman Liz Brown linking climate change and the need to fill the current Supreme Court vacancy.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio appeared as a guest on Mansfield Public Television show “I Love My Job.” 

April 2016

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio attended the Shelby Earth Day Festival.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio hosted a Read-In at Ashland Public School.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio tabled at Coshoctan Earth Day Festival.

Moms Clean Air Force worked with partners to host a Faith and Climate Day of Action, a combined press conference and advocacy day with 15 diverse Ohio faith-based organizations.

A Moms Clean Air Force Ohio representative spoke at American Heritage Girls (junior high/high school troop).

March 2016

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio attended a Women in Conservation event in Columbus.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio hosted a Play-In for Climate Action at Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland, featuring educational kids’ activities and a press conference.

Moms Clean Air Force hosted a Read-In and “Pollution and You” presentation at Ashland Junior High.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio hosted a Read-In at the Coshocton Public Library.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio hosted a State of the Climate simulcast with Ohio Interfaith Power & Light at the Ontario Library.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio hosted a Read-In at Mansfield Christian School.

February 2016

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio co-hosted a Moms and Docs Roundtable with Environment Ohio.

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio helped host a discussion of climate and clean energy in Ohio’s communities with NextGen Founder and President Tom Steyer at the Museum of Contemporary Art in downtown Cleveland. In attendance were more than 100 state and local elected officials, business owners, faith leaders, public health officials, and others. Speakers included Tom Steyer, NextGen Climate; Rev. Otis Moss, Senior Pastor of Chicago’s Trinity United Church of Christ; Claire Boettler, President of the Ohio Public Health Association; David Beach, Director of the Green City Blue Lake Institute at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, emcee.

January 2016

Moms Clean Air Force Ohio attended the Ladies Who Lead event in the Ladies’ Gallery of the Ohio Statehouse. Speakers included Supermom Michele Timmons, Teresa Brown of Women of Steel, and Representative Nickie Antonio.

2023

• Spectrum News 1, Work still needed to improve Ohio’s air quality
• CBS News, East Palestine, Ohio resident gives update three months after train derailment
• FreshWater Cleveland, The air we breathe: How local agencies are working for cleaner air
  
• Press release, STRONG PETROCHEMICAL RULES ARE ONE STEP CLOSER TO REALITY WITH EPA PROPOSAL, BUT MORE SAFEGUARDS ARE NEEDED TO PROTECT PEOPLE LIVING NEAR FACILITIES
• Morning Journal, Allison fights for EP
• News 5 Cleveland, East Palestine mothers call for more specific safety plans after train derailment
• The Washington Post, ‘I’m out’: Lawmakers draw red lines on possible permitting deal
• The Washington Post, Norfolk Southern CEO returns to Senate, grilled on railroad safety record
• The Washington Post, Senators question Norfolk Southern CEO on safety record, Ohio commitments
• Press Release, Post-Hearing Recap: East Palestine Mom Delivers Moving Testimony To Senate on Protecting Communities From Petrochemical Pollution, Contact Us for Interviews
• Press Release, East Palestine Mom Will Testify Before the Senate on Protecting Communities from Petrochemical Pollution; Contact Us For Interview
• 33 WYTV, Mom wants more than ‘I’m sorry’ for East Palestine
• 33 WYTV, Mom wants more than ‘I’m sorry’ for East Palestine
• WKBN First News 27, Mom wants more than ‘I’m sorry’ for East Palestine
• Press Release, Post-Hearing Recap: East Palestine Moms & Others Impacted by Toxic Pollution Attend EPW Senate Hearing on Ohio Train Derailment & Chemical Disaster, Contact Us for Interviews
• Press Release, East Palestine Moms head to the Senate to deliver a message: The entire petrochemical industry is dangerous to our health
• CBS Mornings, Norfolk Southern CEO grilled by lawmakers
• The Baltimore Sun, Norfolk Southern CEO brings apology, aid to Senate hearing
• Yahoo! News, ‘The anxiety is real’: East Palestine residents on how derailment has impacted them
• CBS News, East Palestine, Ohio resident discusses train derailment’s impact on the community
• 21 WFMJ, EAST PALESTINE RESIDENTS AT SENATE HEARING
• News Nation, Ohio moms fight for clean air
• MSNBC Morning Joe, ‘The anxiety is real’: East Palestine residents on how derailment has impacted them
• The Guardian, Norfolk Southern’s call to burn derailed train cars ‘jaw-dropping’, Senate hears
• CNN, Misti Allison on The Lead With Jake Tapper
• Industrial Equipment News, Norfolk Southern CEO Bringing Apology, Aid to Senate Hearing
• The Washington Times, Norfolk Southern CEO bringing apology, aid commitment to Senate hearing
• PBS News Hour, WATCH: Norfolk Southern CEO apologizes before Senate for Ohio train derailment
• WFMJ, East Palestine prayer circle calms village two days before U.S. Senate committee hearing
• Press Release, East Palestine Moms & Others Impacted by Toxic Pollution Will Attend EPW Senate Hearing on Ohio Train Derailment & Chemical Disaster; Contact Us for Interviews
• Spectrum News 1, EPA proposing stricter regulations on oil, gas operations to reduce climate pollution
• Press release, Ohio Air Quality Monitoring Roundtable
• Press release, Moms speak out about Ohio train derailment, calling on EPA and government to protect communities from petrochemical pollution
• WRDL FM, EPA’S PROPOSED METHANE REGULATIONS MEANT TO IMPROVE OHIO AIR QUALITY
• Cleveland Scene, EPA Aims to Improve Ohio Air Quality With Proposed Methane Regulations
• WCSM, EPA’s Proposed Methane Regulations Meant to Improve Ohio Air Quality
• Public News Service, EPA’s Proposed Methane Regulations Meant to Improve Ohio Air Quality

2022

• Green Energy Ohio, Climate Change and Public Health
• Press release, Ohio Moms Applaud Improvements to EPA Methane Rule
• Press release, Moms Celebrate the EPA Award of Electric School Buses to Six Local Districts in Ohio
• Cleveland Scene, Report: Climate Change Could Cost Ohio Communities Billions a Year by 2050
• Public News Service, Inaction on Climate Change Called an ‘Unprecedented Failure’
• Cincinnati Enquirer, Opinion: Electric school buses a way for districts to clean up diesel-powered fleets
• Herald-Star, Money vs. environment
• Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund, Organizations applaud Reps. Juanita Brent and Casey Weinstein for sponsor testimony on the Energy Jobs and Justice Act
• Public News Service, Ohio’s Low-Producing Wells Leave Huge Methane Footprint
• Press Release, APRIL 12, 13, & 14: Dozens of Moms Urge EPA to Strengthen Proposed Truck Pollution Standards, Spokespeople Available to Comment

2021

• Richland Source, Burns, Koehler competing for Mansfield City Council’s 1st Ward seat
• Press Release, One Year After House Bill 6 Scandal: Ohio Moms Call for Comprehensive Energy Policy
• Gallipolis Daily Tribune, Testimony submitted on SB 117
• Press Release, Moms Speak Up at EPA Listening Sessions for Methane Rulemaking, Voicing Need for Federal Methane Pollution Protections
• Cincinnati Enquirer, Opinion: Ohio must ensure state’s energy grid is disaster-proof

2020

• Columbus Dispatch, Protect Clean Air: Repeal HB 6
• Columbus Dispatch, PUCO chairman skips meeting following FBI search of his home
• WOSU, Gov. DeWine Deflects Questions on FBI Search of Public Utility Official’s Home
• Columbus Dispatch, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine deflects questions on public utility official
• The Repository, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine deflects questions on public utility official
• WBNS, DeWine deflects questions on public utility official
• AP News, Ohio governor deflects questions on public utility official
• The Highland County Press, Ohioans sound off in support of repealing House Bill 6
• Statehouse News Bureau, FBI Source In Corruption Investigation Talks Opposition To HB6
• Columbus Dispatch, Ohio environmental groups hold virtual hearings over House Bill 6 repeal
• Columbus Dispatch, Columbus Issue 1 would make family, community healthier
• Press Release, Ohio Moms are outraged at EPA’s attack on the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards in the midst of a global respiratory pandemic: Sabotaging these standards is an unforgivable assault on our health
• Mansfield News Journal, Laura Burns appointed to Mansfield City Council, filling 1st Ward seat

2019

• Press Release, Ohio Moms Testify Against Trump’s Plan to Gut Critical EPA Methane Safeguards for Families
• Press Release, Moms Clean Air Force Opposes Trump’s Plan to Gut Critical EPA Methane Safeguards for Ohio Families
• Public News Service, Moms Question EPA Nominee’s Coal Past
• Energy News Network, EPA proposal would put federal mercury rules on shakier legal ground

2018

• AU Live, Oil and gas companies explore Northeast Ohio for fracking opportunities
• Gongwer Ohio report, Enviro Groups Blast Methane Standards Rollback
• MarketWatch, Federal Agency Releases Finding of No Significant Environmental Impact with Lake Erie Wind Turbine Project
• The Columbus Dispatch, EPA moves to dramatically cut regulation of coal power
• The Alliance Review, EPA moves to dramatically cut regulation of coal power
• The Daily Jeff, EPA moves to dramatically cut regulation of coal power
• The Columbus Dispatch, Ohio EPA studying federal clean air changes
• Energy News Network, Panel: Methane leak capture could add millions to Ohio’s economy
• Mansfield News Journal, Community rallies against Ashland County fracking
• WCSM Radio, Report Highlights Ohio Mom on Front Lines of Oil and Gas Boom
• Public News Service, Report Highlights Ohio Mom on Front Lines of Oil and Gas Boom
• Ohio Telepresser Audio Recording, NEW REPORT: Trump Administration Attacks on Methane Safeguards Threaten Rural and Urban Families, Adds to Pollution Burden of Vulnerable Populations
• Press Release, NEW REPORT: Trump Administration Attacks on Methane Safeguards Threaten Rural and Urban Families, Adds to Pollution Burden of Vulnerable Populations
• All in a Day’s Work Blog, Mama Summit and the Clean Air Force Initiative
• The Columbus Dispatch, Letter: Women’s group sought to clear the air
• WFXN The Fox, 22nd Annual Earth Stewardship Kick-off
• Public Now, Earth Stewardship 2018 – Kickoff
• Columbus Patch, OSU Professor Joins Lawsuit Against US EPA
• Evangelical Environmental Network, Being a Mom and an Advocate at the Same Time
• Yahoo Sports, OSU Professor Joins Lawsuit Against US EPA
• Blog Talk Radio, Being a Mom and an Advocate at the Same Time

2017

• WCSM Radio, Map Highlights Where Ohio Kids Are Exposed to Oil, Gas Emissions
• Public News Service, Report: EPA Cuts Could Hurt Ohio’s Air Quality
• Statehouse News Bureau, This Region Of Ohio Ranks Among The Worst In Country For Risk Of Breathing Problems
• Public News Service, Discussion Highlights Ohio Impacts of Proposed EPA Cuts
• Statehouse News Bureau, EPA Engineer: Proposed Cuts Mean “Less Cops On The Beat”
• WOSU Public Media, Environmental Groups Say EPA Budget Cuts Could Harm Ohio
• MyInforms, ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS SAY EPA BUDGET CUTS COULD HARM OHIO
• Ideastream, EPA Engineer: Proposed Cuts Mean “Less Cops On The Beat”
• MyInforms, U.S. EPA CUTS COULD AFFECT OHIO’S LAND, AIR AND WATER
• WCBE 90.5 FM, U.S. EPA Cuts Could Affect Ohio’s Land, Air And Water
• Press Statement, Moms Have a Message for Vice President Mike Pence During Ohio Visit 
• Richland Source, Nearly 50 Mansfield Elementary girls wrapping up first STEM camp
• Our Climate Voices, LAURA | MANSFIELD, OHIO
• The Courier, Ohio Daybook
• Mansfield News Journal, Two families would lose homes in Mansfield dam project
• EcoWatch, Another Reason to Halt Rover Pipeline: It’s a Climate Disaster
• Mansfield News Journal, Letter: Climate change, pollution threaten asthmatic children
• The Vindicator, Keep methane emissions standards, environmentalists urge
• The Vindicator, Senate should leave intact rules governing methane
• Mansfield News Journal, Earth Stewardship is taking ownership of your community
• Mansfield News Journal, How to live a more green life
• WMFD TV, Mansfield North End Flooding Issues A Cause For Concern
• Public News Service, Ohio Groups Will Fight Trump Climate Order
• The Daily Record, Gazebo gathering says ‘thanks’ to Sen. Brown
• Richland Source, Community leaders thank Sen. Brown for voting against Pruitt
• Mansfield News Journal, Local leaders condemn new EPA head as Trump signs order
• WFXN-FM, 21st Annual Earth Stewardship Kick-off
• Cleveland.com, Climate change is making Americans sick, nation’s medical societies warn

2016

• Mansfield News Journal, Letter: Consider clean energy
• Think Progress, Kids and elderly people in these 9 states spend a scary amount of time near fracking
• Shred of Truth, KIDS AND ELDERLY PEOPLE IN THESE 9 STATES SPEND A SCARY AMOUNT OF TIME NEAR FRACKING
• Richland Source, Voters should take advantage of a right that was hard-earned
• That Mama Gretchen, VOTING IS ABOUT TEACHING OUR CHILDREN THAT THEIR VOICES MATTER … AND 9 BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
• Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition, Resources for Info on #Fracking Health E
• Richland Source, 2 families given 160 pounds of food
• Richland Source, Food drive to benefit local families in need
• Public News Service, Millions of Ohioans Living Near Toxic Emissions
• Fox 19 News, Report: Hamilton County among most polluted in U.S.
• Richland Source, EPA pushes forward in cutting methane emissions, Richland County not affected yet
• Akron Beacon Journal, U.S. EPA releases rules on methane emissions from new oil, natural gas wells; rules on existing wells may be next
• Windpower Engineering, Extending the freeze on clean energy ties Ohio to old power tech
• Public News Service, New Attempt to Keep Ohio Clean Energy Standards on Ice
• The Columbus Dispatch, Rally urges end to clean-energy standard freeze
• Cleveland.com, Activists to call out DeWine over Clean Power Plan lawsuit
• The Columbus Dispatch, Cleaner air is better deal in the long run
• WMFD, Ohio Interfaith Power And Light Holds Video Conference
• Midwest Energy News, Ohio advocates point out health costs of delaying emissions cuts
• The Energy Collective, Protect Our Families: Bring Back Ohio’s Clean Energy Standards
• Coshocton Tribune, Play-in focuses on air quality for families
• The Hannah Report, U.S. Supreme Court Stays Clean Power Plan; Ohio Stakeholders React
• WOSU Radio, Mother Takes Her Fight For Clean Air To The Statehouse
• The Hannah Report, Senate GOP Still Seeking to Extend Energy Freeze
• WKSU Public Radio, Moms Clean Air Force wants to reverse renewable-energy freeze
• Statehouse News Bureau, Mother Takes Her Fight For Clean Air To The Statehouse
• Cleveland.com, Methane pollution threatens Ohio’s health: Laura Burns, Mom’s Clean air Force
• Cleveland.com, Reverse course on Ohio renewable-energy mandates freeze: Ellen Eilers (Opinion)

2015

• Richland Source, Mansfield councilman supports EPA cuts to methane emissions
• Richland Source, Mansfield council passes home protection bill
• Cleveland.com, Climate change, energy to be topics at town hall meeting in Parma tonight
• Public News Service, Clean Energy Standard Freeze “Suffocating” Investment in Ohio? 
• Richland Source, Community hears about proposed methane regulations
• Mansfield News Journal, Letter | New methane pollution standards make sense
• Akron Beacon Journal, U.S. EPA releases plan to curtail methane emissions from oil, gas wells, pipelines, processing plants, storage facilities
• The Lakewood Observer, State Representative, Moms Clean Air Force And Blue Green Alliance
• Richland Source, Councilman Don Bryant, others plead for national standards on methane emissions
• WMFD TV, Environmental Advocates Call For Methane Pollution Controls
• The Columbus Dispatch, Portman criticized for emissions stance
• The Vindicator, Portman pollution amendment criticized in $500K Ohio ad buy 
• WRAL News, Environmental group’s ad decries Portman pollution amendment
• WOSU Public Media, Portman Pollution Amendment Criticized In $500K Ohio Ad Buy
• Greenfield Daily Reporter, National environmental group launches $500K ad campaign targeting Portman pollution amendment
• Fox Business, National environmental group launches $500K ad campaign targeting Portman pollution amendment
• Cleveland.com, Environmental groups to hit Rob Portman with TV ads for his global warming proposal (video)
• Good Mornings, March 17, 2015 Radio Clip
• The Lima News, Kasich: Tax cuts, innovation can continue Ohio’s success
• Daily Reporter, Gov. Kasich in State of State speech ties more tax cuts, education changes to Ohio’s success
• Daily Journal, Gov. Kasich in State of State speech ties more tax cuts, education changes to Ohio’s success

2014

• The Columbus Dispatch, June 2014 Best of the Rest
• Cleveland.com, Ohio catering to big business by freezing renewable energy standards: Letter to the Editor
• Cleveland.com, Ohio renewable energy and efficiency rules frozen for two years as Gov. John Kasich signs legislation
• Russia Today, Ohio becomes first state to reverse energy efficiency, renewable fuel mandates
• ThinkProgress, Moms, Nurses Laud New EPA Carbon Pollution Plan: ‘Ultimately, It Will Save Lives’
• nbc4i.com, Fact Check: Energy Policy
• WBNS-10TV, Ohio On The Verge Of Rolling Back Green Energy Mandates
• The Akron Beacon Journal, No Retreat
• The Toledo Blade, A test for pols: Keep or gut clean-energy law?
• The Idea Stream, Ohio’s Green Energy Mandates

2013

• Westlake Bay Village Observer, Support renewable energy and energy efficiency in Ohio
• The Columbus Dispatch, Wise consumers won’t switch to FirstEnergy
• Lancaster Eagle Gazette, Ohio’s clean energy standards must be maintained
• The Plain Dealer, The electrifying truth behind FirstEnergy: letter to the editor
• The Plain Dealer, Clean air group pushes FirstEnergy boycott
• Columbus Business First, FirstEnergy boycott targets utility’s stance on energy efficiency standards
• The Columbus Dispatch, Enviros don’t “like” FirstEnergy
• The Toledo Blade, Groups want to keep Ohio energy efficiency laws
• Athens Ohio Today, Locals receive training to test air quality associated with fracking, injection wells
• The Athens News, Group signs on locals to test air quality near injection wells
• EcoWatch, Cleveland City Council Passes Resolution Supporting Ohio’s Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Laws

2012

• The Columbus Dispatch, Family Fun: Free for All