Texas

Texas 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 Texas coordinator Erandi Treviño and her mom, Mayela Bustos, offered testimony. In her comments, Erandi connected the dots between EPA’s soot rule and the environmental racism:

“This tragic reality is unjust because air pollution from sources such as oil and gas operations is not evenly distributed. Soot pollution adds to the burden of existing pollution problems in communities of color and low-income communities, exacerbating inequities and putting families at increased risk of severe health issues. It is a heavy foot on the neck of our communities. It keeps us down, tired, sick, and behind.”

Read Erandi’s full testimony here.

Texas 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 Texas coordinator Erandi Treviño offered testimony.

Texas moms call for reform of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

In the spring of 2022, Moms Clean Air Force Texas joined our partners across the state for a series of People’s Hearings about the Sunset Review of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The hearings were an opportunity for Texans to share their ideas about what TCEQ should be doing to keep the air, land, and water in our communities clean and healthy. All comments were submitted to the Sunset Advisory Commission, an independent agency tasked with evaluating TCEQ’s performance and recommending reform.

Moms Clean Air Force Texas coordinator Erandi Treviño shared her personal story of growing up near the Houston Ship Channel at one of the hearings. In her testimony, she said,

“No one should have to worry about breathing polluted air or fear another chemical fire. We need TCEQ to keep the disasters from happening and do what it takes to hold polluters accountable when they break the law.”

The Sunset Review is a performance evaluation of all Texas state agencies that happens once every 12 years. Moms Clean Air Force and our partners are working to ensure that the Sunset Advisory Commission’s recommendations for reform of TCEQ include prioritizing equity and justice as it works to protect our state’s public health and natural resources. Read more about our specific recommendations HERE.

Texas 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 Texas coordinator Erandi Treviño offered testimony. In her comments, Erandi talked about her home in Houston, which sits next to an 18-wheeler parking lot, a demolition company, and a crate company:

“When I bought this house, I felt proud. An immigrant Latina woman buying a house with a pool no less. I felt I had made it. Now that decision and accomplishment give me fear for the health of my family.”

Read Erandi’s full testimony HERE.

Texas 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 Texas 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 Texas coordinator Erandi Treviño and a member from Houston offered testimony.

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

Moms Clean Air Force Texas 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 Texas organizer Erandi Treviño and Supermom Carolina Bustos offered testimony. Read Erandi’s testimony here.

Texas 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 Texas 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 Texas organizer Erandi Treviño offered testimony.

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

In June 2021, Texas 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 Texas organizer Erandi Treviño offered testimony. She offered her perspective as a resident of the US oil and gas capital, Houston:

“All of us who live in the Houston metropolitan area know or are related to someone who either works in the oil and gas industry or who lives within a couple of miles of the ship channel that is used to ship oil and gas products around the world and is a large source of air pollution. The fact our communities have for a long time relied on the financial benefits of the oil and gas sector has led to the false narrative that we must make the choice between clean air and jobs. This simply is not true because everyone deserves to breathe clean air. Oftentimes people do not have the financial means and support system to move to a place with better air quality, so we need strong air pollution protections.”

Read Erandi’s full testimony HERE.

Texas 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 Texas 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 Texas organizer Erandi Treviño offered testimony.

Texas moms welcome Erandi Treviño, our new organizer in Houston.

On April 14, 2021, Moms Clean Air Force and EcoMadres welcomed our new Texas field organizer, Erandi Treviño, in an intimate conversation with EcoMadres co-lead Cinthia Zermeño Moore. Erandi was born in Mexico and grew up in Houston. She’s felt called to action since she learned, in fifth grade, that children who live within 10 miles of the Houston Ship Channel are 56% more likely to develop leukemia. As a child, Erandi lived, played, and went to school within a couple of miles of the channel. As an adult, she works to empower local communities to stand up for clean air, a healthy climate, and social justice.

Watch the video to learn more about what Erandi is working on in Texas.

Read more about Erandi in her interview for the One Breath Partnership.

Texas moms join the House Democrats’ Black and Brown Maternal Health and Environmental Justice Roundtable.

On September 8, 2020, Houston field organizer Catherine Flowers joined Rep. Alma Adams (NC-12), Rep. Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40), Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-2), Dr. Bruce Bekkar, Dr. Nathaniel Denicola, and Melinated Moms co-founder Alexcia Harrod for a roundtable discussion on the intersection of maternal health, air pollution, and climate change.

Catherine shared her own traumatic experience as a young mother of color, which has had a lasting impact on her life. She concluded, “This is a moment of reckoning for racial injustice and health disparities. Doing nothing about air pollution, which so clearly has a greater impact on Black Americans, is racism in action.”

Watch the roundtable HERE.

Texas moms join Moms Clean Air Force members from across the country to demand EPA protect our families from dangerous smog.

On August 30 and September 1, 2020, Moms Clean Air Force Texas joined more than 50 Moms Clean Air Force staff and volunteers from 14 states and DC to deliver testimony at EPA’s virtual public hearing on ground-level ozone, or smog. Smog is a widespread and largely preventable form of air pollution that is a powerful lung irritant and asthma trigger. In July 2020, in the midst of a global respiratory pandemic, EPA chose to keep the standards for smog the same—in spite of strong evidence showing significant health harm at levels below the current standards—and opened a public comment period that would be considered notably short even if we were not in the midst of a global respiratory pandemic. This continues a disturbing trend at EPA, led by Administrator Andrew Wheeler, of sidelining science, ignoring environmental injustice, and stifling public participation in the rulemaking process.

Moms Clean Air Force Texas field organizer Catherine Flowers and 3 volunteers from Houston offered testimony.

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

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

Texas organizer Catherine Flowers offered testimony, as did four Moms Clean Air Force members from around the state.

Moms Clean Air Force helps Texas 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, Texas moms met with members of Congress across the state to urge them to join as co-sponsors. Moms Clean Air Force Texas thanks Representatives Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Lloyd Doggett (TX-35), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), and Marc Veasy (TX-33) for being among the over 150 original co-sponsors leading on this issue.

Click here to learn more about the bill.

Members of Moms Clean Air Force brought national attention to the rollback of federal methane standards in Dallas.

Members of Moms Clean Air Force from six states around the country testified in Dallas at the only EPA public hearing on the proposed repeal of the federal methane standards. Their testimony featured prominently in coverage in the Dallas Morning News, Public News Service (PA), and the Albuquerque Journal, among other news outlets. Read the Dallas Morning News story, “Feelings of ‘Despair’: Climate Change Activists Testify against EPA Plans to Roll Back Methane Emissions Standards,” featuring Supermom Myrelis Diaz.

Texas moms help move San Antonio toward a just, sustainable future.

On October 17, 2019, San Antonio’s City Council passed the city’s first Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP). The plan commits the city to a goal of carbon neutrality by 2050 and to addressing climate equity, building resiliency against climate impacts, and developing strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

After the plan passed with a 10-1 vote, Texas field organizer DeeDee Belmares issued the following statement:

“Climate change is a public health emergency, jeopardizing the health and future of our children. Today’s action is a signal that our local leaders understand the need for strong action to protect San Antonio families. Moms Clean Air Force is proud to have worked closely with city leaders to help bring this historic plan across the finish line. The San Antonio community looks forward to working with city leaders on implementing strategies that move us toward our 2050 carbon neutrality goal.”

DeeDee has been working on the plan since September 2018, when she was appointed to serve on the Steering Committee for the CAAP. As a committee member, DeeDee worked to build a grassroots movement to support the plan and bring the voices of frontline communities to the table.

Fighting petrochemical buildout and protecting frontline communities.

Moms Clean Air Force Texas is engaged in initiatives to reduce and curtail the petrochemical buildout in the Texas Gulf Coast while working on community protections from existing petrochemical operations. With a focus on community and health impacts of petrochemical and plastic pollution, Moms in Texas will fight to protect frontline communities at all levels of government and through meaningful community engagement.

Read more about Moms Clean Air Force Texas coordinator Erandi Treviño’s experience on the front lines of oil and gas development.

Supporting local leadership for climate action.

Our Moms & Mayors program connects moms with their mayors and local leaders to improve children’s health and build resilient communities. In Texas, we are working with mayors around the state for local action on climate change.

In December, Climate Mayors, a group of 438 mayors around the U.S. committed to upholding the Paris Climate Agreement, launched a new steering committee focused on city-led climate initiatives. Three of the 24 mayors that make up this group of climate leaders are from Texas. Moms applaud their commitment to bold climate action and look forward to continuing to work with them to move our state toward a clean air and energy future.

“The strength and moral standing of Climate Mayors is derived from the broad and diverse population we represent. Whether you are a big city or a small city, in a red state or a blue state, climate change affects us all. Mayors across the country are making a bold commitment to build stronger, more resilient cities and a more sustainable future. We are stronger together and I look forward to working with these mayors as we face this great challenge.”

—Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Co-chair of Climate Mayors

Elevating work on clean air across Harris County.

Moms Clean Air Force has joined the One Breath Partnership, a collaborative effort to educate Texans about air quality and the impacts air pollution can have on our health and our communities.

In 2019, Texas recorded six major chemical disasters and a tropical storm that led to the unpermitted release of 100,000 pounds of industrial pollution into the air. Through the One Breath Partnership, Moms Clean Air Force Texas seeks government and industry accountability for this air pollution to protect the health and safety of our children.

One Breath Partnership is also using its platform to elevate the experiences of Houston parents, including Moms Clean Air Force volunteer Nissi Hamilton, who has 2 children with asthma. Read her story HERE.

Building a network of Latina moms through EcoMadres.

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

Cafecitos in Houston, San Antonio, and around Texas provide opportunities for communities to discuss air quality and climate change. In June 2019, EcoMadres hosted the first cafecito in Laredo, Texas. Watch the news story.

We are already seeing extreme weather linked to climate change.

Although Texas produces the most wind energy of any state, it also leads the country in oil and gas production and emits the most CO2 of any state.

In 2018, Texas emitted 823.33 million metric tons of CO2—nearly double the second highest emitting state.

Not only do these emissions create significant air pollution issues, but they also contribute to dangerous climate change. Texans are already seeing the impact. Scientists agree that Hurricane Harvey in 2017, and many of the hurricanes that have devastated the country in recent years, were made worse by climate change.

In February 2021, a historic winter storm swept the South, causing temperatures to plummet. Texans faced massive electricity blackouts caused mainly by frozen natural gas pipelines and infrastructure that was ill-prepared for this extreme weather. These blackouts disproportionately affected low-income Texans, who so often bear the brunt of climate disaster.

Texans must take drastic climate action for the health and safety of all communities across the state.

Petrochemical facilities put our communities at risk.

The largest city in a state where everything’s bigger, Houston is the oil capital of the nation. Dozens of refineries and chemical facilities line the Houston Ship Channel, part of the Port of Houston and one of the most heavily trafficked waterways in the world. These facilities put the surrounding communities at risk from toxic leaks, explosions, and fires and add to the pollution burden of a city that fails to meet air quality standards for smog.

In the span of a few weeks between March and April 2019, there were two major chemical fires in Houston. Near Deer Park on March 17, a petrochemical storage facility caught fire, releasing toxic chemicals. These chemicals, including benzene, naphtha, and xylene, can cause nausea, headaches, trouble breathing, and even cancer. Schools were closed, re-opened, and closed again because the air still was unsafe to breathe.

Only two weeks later, another chemical fire began in Crosby, endangering the health of yet another community. During this fire, isobutylene, ethanol, and ethyl acrylate were burned and released.

Moms Clean Air Force is fighting for stronger regulations and protections for communities that border these petrochemical facilities. In Houston, there is a chemical spill every 6 weeks. Without stronger health-protective standards that prioritize the health of people over the profits of an industry, our children and communities are at risk.

Our children breathe polluted air.

Smog, or ground-level ozone, is a harmful lung irritant. It is formed in the atmosphere when pollutants combine with heat and sunlight. Smog-forming pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as methane and benzene, and nitrogen oxides (NOX) from oil and gas development, cars, trucks, power plants, and factories. With extensive oil and gas infrastructure across the state, Texas has a serious smog problem.

Only 34 of 254 counties in Texas monitor ground-level ozone. Thirteen out of the 34 received an F grade based on the number of high ozone days.

Houston had 65 days of poor air quality from 2018 to 2020 and was ranked one of the most polluted cities in the 2022 State of the Air Report. The EPA designated Harris County (Houston) as a “nonattainment” area under federally mandated air quality standards. In fact, out of the 17 nonattainment areas in Texas as of 2022, six of them were in the Houston/Galveston area.

Moms Clean Air Force Texas is educating our Houston members about the dangers of air pollution and working with regulatory bodies, local officials, and the media to shed light on the health impacts of pollutants.

We are leading on renewable energy.

There is no arguing that Texas is an oil and gas state. But Texas is also a wind state—the wind state. Texas leads the nation in wind production, producing more wind energy than the next three states combined. With solar energy poised to take off in Texas, a renewable energy Texas may soon be in sight.

A September 2018 study from Rice University found that Texas has the potential to quit coal completely by transitioning to wind and solar.

With its unique geography and wind patterns, Rice researchers found that wind and solar could power the state around the clock—even during peak demand times.

Texas cities are stepping up to the plate to take on significant climate work. In 2019, Austin and San Antonio were named Climate Challenge winners in the American Cities Climate Challenge—an unprecedented opportunity for 25 ambitious cities to significantly deepen and accelerate their efforts to tackle climate change and promote a sustainable future for their residents.

Past Events

May 2023

On May 11, Moms Clean Air Force Texas coordinator Erandi Treviño 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 Erandi’s testimony here.

On May 9, Moms Clean Air Force Texas coordinator Erandi Treviño 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 Erandi’s testimony here.

On May 2, Moms Clean Air Force Texas coordinator Erandi Treviño 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 Erandi’s testimony here.

March 2023

On March 6, Moms Clean Air Force Texas coordinator Erandi Treviño joined our partners at Air Alliance Houston for 2023 Greater Houston Area Legislative Day. This event gave frontline community members in Houston the opportunity to meet with state legislators to talk about their environmental justice concerns.

February 2023

EcoMadres Texas coordinator Erandi Treviño hosted a cafecito for local residents to share their stories about how petrochemical pollution in Houston has affected their families.

In February, Moms Clean Air Force Texas coordinator Erandi Treviño and her mom, Mayela Bustos, 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 Erandi’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 Texas coordinator Erandi Treviño offered testimony. Read Erandi’s testimony here.

December 2022

On December 20, Moms Clean Air Force’s Texas coordinator Erandi Treviño, Texas Supermom Mayela Bustos, and 10-year-old Zahra Halakhe joined EPA Administrator Michael Regan for a press conference on EPA’s final truck pollution standards.

EcoMadres Texas coordinator Erandi Treviño hosted a cafecito about pollution from petrochemical facilities in Houston and along the Gulf Coast. Local volunteers traded stories about how their families and communities had been impacted by this harmful pollution.

November 2022

On November 4, Texas Supermom Mayela Bustos gave comments at the White House Climate and Environmental Justice Economic Impact Briefing. Listen to her story.

October 2022

Moms Clean Air Force Senior Policy Analyst Patrice Tomcik and Petrochemical Strategy Advisor Cynthia Palmer attended the Break Free From Plastic National Summit Against Petrochemicals in Port Arthur, Texas, from October 21 to 23.

September 2022

On September 28, Texas state coordinator Erandi Treviño joined Moms Clean Air Force staff and members from across the country to speak out at EPA’s virtual public hearing about its proposed Safer Communities by Chemical Accident Prevention rule, which will better protect the health and safety of communities vulnerable to chemical disasters by strengthening existing safeguards and introducing new ones. Read Erandi’s testimony HERE.

July 2022

On July 16, Texas EcoMadres visited the Armand Bayou Nature Center for a day of trash cleanup and conservation in honor of Latino Conservation Week.

June 2022

On June 1, Moms Clean Air Force Texas coordinator Erandi Treviño joined the One Breath Partnership’s Allyn West, and Air Alliance Houston’s Jen Hadayia for a virtual discussion about Houston’s smog problem and what we can do improve air quality for our families. Listen to the replay on Twitter Spaces.

May 2022

On May 11, EcoMadres joined Chispa for a Chispeando about EPA’s proposal to clean up tailpipe pollution from heavy-duty trucks and buses. Chispa’s Alexa Aispuro-Loaiza moderated a panel featuring EcoMadres Project Manager Carolina Peña-Alarcon, New Mexico coordinator Ana Rios, and Texas coordinator Erandi Treviño. Watch the replay.

EcoMadres Texas coordinator Erandi Treviño hosted a cafecito for volunteers in Houston.

April 2022

On April 30, Moms Clean Air Force joined the Coalition for Environment, Equity, and Resilience for a People’s Hearing in Houston. During the hearing, we collected comments from Texans across the state about what the Texas Commission for Environmental Quality should do to keep the air, land, and water in our communities clean and healthy. We’ve submitted all comments to the Sunset Review Commission.

To celebrate Earth Day, Moms Clean Air Force and EcoMadres Texas hosted a kids’ workshop on repotting plants. Texas coordinator Erandi Treviño talked with kids of all ages and their parents about the importance of protecting local greenspaces in Houston and our climate. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee joined us by phone to share a message about the importance of climate action.

On April 20, Moms Clean Air Force Texas coordinator Erandi Treviño participated in a press conference calling on EPA to enact the strongest possible Mercury and Air Toxics Standards and cross-state air pollution standards to reduce dangerous pollution from power plants and fight climate change. Erandi was joined at the event by Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Texas State Representative Ron Reynolds, Hispanic Access Foundation’s David Armijo, and Dr. William Brett Perkison. 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 Texas coordinator Erandi Treviño offered testimony. Read Erandi’s full testimony HERE.

On April 10, Moms Clean Air Force Texas hosted a table at Green Mountain Energy Earth Day at Discovery Green in Houston.

February 2022

On February 24, Moms Clean Air Force Texas 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 Texas coordinator Erandi Treviño and a member from Houston offered testimony.

January 2022

EcoMadres Texas coordinator Erandi Treviño attended GreenLatinos’ virtual Winter Summit.

December 2021

On December 7, Moms Clean Air Force Texas organizer Erandi Treviño was a panelist in a conversation titled Clean Air for Kids: Preparing Schools for Electric Bus Funding. The event was hosted by TexPIRG and also included panelists from the Electrification Coalition and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. $2.5 billion in federal funding for electric school buses is about to become available, thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Speakers shared insights on the benefits of electric buses and the steps schools can take now to prepare their fleet electrification plans. Watch the replay.

Moms Clean Air Force Texas 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 Texas organizer Erandi Treviño and Supermom Carolina Bustos offered testimony. Read Erandi’s full testimony here.

November 2021

On November 20, Moms Clean Air Force Texas joined Sierra Club and partners for a virtual public hearing to allow Texans to share their experiences from the winter storm Uri and call on regulators and policymakers to take action on climate.

October 2021

On October 14, EcoMadres organizers and members across the country celebrated the program’s first three years. The virtual program featured EcoMadres in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Nevada, and Texas, who shared stories from their work fighting for a healthy climate in their local communities. Watch the replay.

On October 7, EcoMadres Iowa organizer Karin Stein hosted an upbeat, inspiring Hispanic Heritage Month concert full of Latin music and commentary in Spanish with English subtitles. The concert featured EcoMadres in Arizona, Florida, Iowa, Nevada, and Texas. Watch the replay.

August 2021

On August 25, Texas organizer Erandi Treviño joined more than 30 Moms Clean Air Force staff and volunteers from 13 states and DC to deliver testimony at EPA’s public hearing about strengthening near-term greenhouse gas emissions standards for cars and light trucks.

On August 25, Moms Clean Air Force Texas organizer Erandi Treviño testified at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality about language justice.

On August 12, Moms Clean Air Force joined our partners in Texas to submit public comment to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality opposing TPC Group’s request to authorize a significant increase in carcinogenic butadiene emissions at its Houston Plant.

June 2021

Texas 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. Texas organizer Erandi Treviño offered testimony. Read Erandi’s testimony.

On June 2, 2021, Texas organizer Erandi Treviño 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.

May 2021

On May 19, Moms Clean Air Force Texas organizer Erandi Treviño joined the 2021 National Tribal Forum on Air Quality networking session with Moms Clean Air Force staff.

On World Asthma Day, EcoMadres team and Corazon Latino hosted a conversation about air pollution, asthma, and how they impact Latino communities. Panelists included EcoMadres Nevada organizer Cinthia Moore, EcoMadres Arizona organizer Columba Sainz, and EcoMadres Texas organizer Erandi Treviño. The conversation was moderated by Felipe Benitez, Founder & CEO, Corazon Latino. Watch the replay.

April 2021

On April 18, Moms Clean Air Force Texas organizer Erandi Treviño tabled at Earth Day at Discovery Green presented by Green Mountain Energy in partnership with Citizens Environmental Coalition. The event included opening remarks by Mayor Sylvestor Turner, the screening of short film on Houston’s environment, a panel discussion on The Nexus of Energy, Climate, and Equity in Houston, and live painting by Houston artists completing murals to celebrate the richness and diversity of our community, culture, and natural environment.

On April 14, Moms Clean Air Force and EcoMadres welcomed our new Texas field organizer, Erandi Treviño, in an intimate conversation with EcoMadres co-lead Cinthia Zermeño Moore. Watch the replay.

December 2020

In December, members of Moms Clean Air Force Texas met with their members of Congress to encourage bold climate action in 2021. Texas moms had meetings with Sen. Ted Cruz, Sen. John Cornyn, Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), and Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30).

October 2020

To celebrate the second anniversary of our EcoMadres program, we hosted a special event with music, conversation, and highlights of the amazing work EcoMadres across the country have been doing to educate and mobilize Latino families on the impacts of air pollution and climate change. The bilingual broadcast on October 29 was co-hosted by two Latinas, Nevada organizer Cinthia Zermeño Moore and Iowa organizer Karin Stein. This celebratory program featured brief interviews on topics including the impact of wildfires on Latinos and the importance of the Latino vote, interspersed with Latin music, most notably the premiere of the song “EcoMadres,” featuring dozens of organizers and members of the EcoMadres team. Watch the replay.

On October 22, Moms Clean Air Force chapters in Nevada and Texas hosted watch parties for the second presidential debate.

On October 11, Texas organizer Catherine Flowers joined Florida organizer Gabi Da Silva, Eugene J. Green Jr. (New Orleans Community Leader), Efrem Jernigan (Founder, Sunnyside Solar Farm), and other surprise guests with the hopes of inspiring future local action during the Climate Reality Project’s 24 Hours of Reality event. Catherine’s talk show-style presentation focused on the local impacts and solutions of the climate crisis in the South, especially as they relate to the extreme disparities throughout communities of color. Watch the replay.

September 2020

On September 8, Moms Clean Air Force Texas organizer Catherine Flowers joined Democrat members of Congress for a virtual roundtable discussion of the impact of climate change on the Black and Brown maternal health crisis and potential solutions and steps forward. Watch the event here.

Texas moms joined Moms Clean Air Force members across the country to testify in EPA’s virtual hearing on its proposal to retain the current National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Ground-Level Ozone. Texas field organizer Catherine Flowers and 3 volunteers urged EPA to follow the science and strengthen the existing rule.

June 2020

In honor of Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States (June 19, 1865), the Community Rx initiative of Moms Clean Air Force convened an online conversation to address equity, justice and climate in the African American community. Texas organizer Catherine Flowers spoke on the panel, elevating equity issues in Texas. Watch the full panel here.

May 2020

Texas 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. Houston organizer Catherine Flowers and several Moms Clean Air Force members from Houston testified in favor of following science and strengthening the existing rule.

April 2020

On the 50th anniversary of the first Earth Day, Moms Clean Air Force Texas hosted kids and adults of all ages for Earth Day Bingo.

February 2020

Texas organizer Catherine Flowers attended the Houston Youth Climate Summit at Texas State University on February 22. The event was hosted by Mi Familia Vota, OCA-Greater Houston, JOLT Texas, Texas Rising, Coalition for Equity and Environment Resilience, and the Sunrise Movement and was attended by representatives of 2020 presidential and congressional campaigns.

Texas organizer Catherine Flowers participated in the Greater Houston Community Foundation “Understanding Houston” Report Luncheon. The report features the Understanding Houston initiative’s high-level findings and delves into eight major issue topics, including the environment.

January 2020

On January 28, 2020, Houston organizer Catherine Flowers and Moms National Field Director Heather Toney spoke at the “Trouble in the Air” press conference held by Environment Texas.

December 2019

Members of Moms Clean Air Force in Houston attended the December 6 US Climate Strike.

On December 3, Moms Clean Air Force Texas joined a presentation by the University of Texas Law School Environmental Clinic hosted by a coalition of community organizations at True Love Missionary Baptist Church.

November 2019

Moms Clean Air Force Texas hosted a “Mix and Mingle” on November 20 to talk about solutions to the climate crisis.

October 2019

Members of Moms Clean Air Force Texas attended an environmental stakeholders meeting with Mayor Nirenberg to discuss next steps for the San Antonio Climate Action Plan implementation.

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.

September 2019

Moms Clean Air Force members attended the Houston Global Climate Strike on September 20.

On September 12, Moms Clean Air Force hosted our first ever Mom Power Summit in Houston. The day included powerful speakers, a DJ, and thoughtful conversation on how to take action on climate change.

August 2019

Moms Clean Air Force organizer DeeDee Belmares hosted an EcoMadres community event in Laredo on August 10, 2019. The ecomadres set up two interactive displays to highlight waste and surveyed participants to find out their top five environmental concerns in Laredo.

July 2019

EcoMadres Texas hosted a Climate Action Cafecito at Revolucion Coffee + Juice in San Antonio to discuss the transition to renewable energy and work to demand 100% clean energy for the city.

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

June 2019

EcoMadres hosted a cafecito in Laredo, Texas, to discuss environmental issues in the community. Watch the news story.

May 2019

Moms Clean Air Force organizer DeeDee Belmares attended and participated in the Frontlines Oil and Gas Conference in Ponca, Oklahoma.

On May 13, Moms Clean Air Force Texas hosted a Climate Cocktail Hour to bring together individuals working on environmental justice issues.

April 2019

Moms Clean Air Force Texas participated in the Clean Energy Rally at the capitol on April 27, 2019. Texas organizer DeeDee Belmares spoke at the event.

On Earth Day, Moms Clean Air Force participated in the annual San Antonio celebration.

March 2019

On March 18, 2019, members of Moms Clean Air Force Texas traveled to Washington, DC, to testify in support of the lifesaving Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) at EPA’s hearing on the proposal to undermine MATS.

January 2019

Moms Clean Air Force Texas field organizer DeeDee Belmares met with members of Congress in DC to discuss the dangerous nomination of Andrew Wheeler to head EPA. On January 16, 2019, Moms Clean Air Force members (including kids!) attended Wheeler’s nomination hearing to make it clear that as an ex-coal lobbyist, Wheeler is unfit to run EPA. View photos from the meetings and hearing here.

December 2018

Moms Clean Air Force Texas gathered to celebrate the shutdown of the Deely coal plant in San Antonio.

Moms Clean Air Force Texas hosted a “Health Cafecito” at Folklores Coffee Shop in San Antonio.

October 2018

Field organizer DeeDee Belmares attended a series of open houses for the City of San Antonio’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP). DeeDee is a member of the steering committee for the CAAP and joined the open houses to get community feedback and support for the plan.

Moms Clean Air Force Texas participated in the Learning Disabilities of Texas Press Event “Healthy Kids Project ” in Dallas to speak on the potential rollback of the Clean Car Standards.

Moms Clean Air Force Texas hosted a cafecito to celebrate the launch of EcoMadres.

September 2019

On September 12, Moms Clean Air Force Texas hosted a Climate Action Power Summit at Emancipation Park in Houston.

September 2018

Moms Clean Air Force Texas participated in GreenLatinos Advocacy Day in Washington, DC. Field organizer DeeDee Belmares, along with Latinos from all over the country, united on Capitol Hill to meet with senators from their respective states to advocate for various environmental and health issues.

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

August 2018

Moms Clean Air Force Texas attended the Healthy Families and Community Fair.

Field organizer DeeDee Belmares was appointed to the Steering Committee for San Antonio’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan.

July 2018

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

June 2018

Moms Clean Air Force Texas met with the San Antonio Sustainability team to discuss a pilot program to reduce idling in area schools.

Moms Clean Air Force Texas tabled at the Climate San Antonio Community Forum.

Moms Clean Air Force Texas tabled at the San Antonio Climate Action and Adaptability Plan Community Event.

January 2018

Field consultant Krystal Henagan presented at the Greater Bexar County Council of Cities Mayors Meeting.

December 2017

Moms Clean Air Force Texas attended the City of San Antonio’s public launch event of the Climate Action and Adaptation Planning Process.

November 2017

Moms Clean Air Force Texas hosted a screening of From the Ashes at the Brick, San Antonio.

Field consultant Krystal Henagan presented and tabled at the Imagine a Coal-Free San Antonio event hosted by the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club.

October 2017

Moms Clean Air Force Texas attended a Climate Change in San Antonio panel discussion.

Moms Clean Air Force Texas field consultant Krystal Henagan hosted Texas’s Oil and Gas Threat Map telepresser. Speakers included Dr. Adelita Cantu, a public health nurse, and Raquel Lara, mother and grandmother living near oil and gas operations in the Eagle Ford Shale.

September 2017

Moms Clean Air Force Texas participated in the San Antonio Climate Action Coalition petition delivery at the San Antonio City Council Meeting.

Field consultant Krystal Henagan gave a guest lecture at University of Texas Austin’s undergraduate Children’s Environmental Health class.

Moms Clean Air Force Texas presented at the Being Green Social and Environmental Justice Forum in San Antonio.

Field consultant Krystal Henagan spoke at the telepresser The Shaky Economics of the J.K. Spruce Power Plant: Weighing the Costs of a Coal Plant Against Renewable Energy Options, Report by Synapse Energy Economics, Inc.

Field consultant Krystal Henagan spoke at a press conference in San Antonio on the Public Citizen Texas Climate Change Tour.

August 2017

Moms Clean Air Force Texas members attended Congressman Will Hurd’s Town Hall in Helotes.

Moms Clean Air Force Texas co-hosted Lorax Storytime at the Capitol in Austin with the Defend Texas Trees Coalition.

July 2017

Moms Clean Air Force Texas attended the Monarchs & Climate Change: family-friendly STEM event.

Moms Clean Air Force Texas members attended the 2017 Play-In for Climate Action in Washington, DC.

Field consultant Krystal Henagan testified at an EPA public hearing on the Oil and Gas New Source Performance Standards: Proposed Three-Month Stay and Two-Year Stay held in Washington, DC.

Moms Clean Air Force Texas attended the LULAC National Convention in San Antonio.

June 2017

Field consultant Krystal Henagan and volunteer Camille Fiorillo attended and spoke during “Citizens to Be Heard” at San Antonio City Hall.

Moms Clean Air Force Texas tabled at MommyCon in Austin.

May 2017

Field consultant Krystal Henagan testified at the TCEQ Public Meeting for Air Quality Permit Application by Sand Mining of Texas in Pleasanton.

Moms Clean Air Force Texas hosted a Mama Summit in San Antonio.

April 2017

Moms Clean Air Force Texas attended the March for Science in San Antonio.

Moms Clean Air Force Texas attended and tabled at Earth Day Dallas.

Moms Clean Air Force Texas attended the Poteet Strawberry Festival in Poteet, Texas.

Moms Clean Air Force Texas attended the Esparanza Peace and Justice Center Mayoral Forum on Social, Economic, Gender, and Environmental Justice Issues in San Antonio.

Moms Clean Air Force Texas attended the City of San Antonio Climate Resiliency Workshop in San Antonio.

Moms Clean Air Force Texas presented at the U.S. Green Building Council Luncheon in San Antonio.

March 2017

Moms Clean Air Force Texas advised neighbors of Pollos Asados to navigate the complaint reporting process, resulting in the restaurant agreeing to make changes to cut down on smoke.

Moms Clean Air Force Texas helped coordinate signature collection for San Antonio’s Climate Action Plan petition during a screening of Before the Flood.

Moms Clean Air Force tabled at Fresh Air Friday.

February 2017

Moms Clean Air Force Texas met with Rep. Will Hurd’s (TX-23) district director and counsel to discuss Hurd’s vote to repeal the Bureau of Land Management Methane Waste rule.

Moms Clean Air Force Texas hosted a Valentine-making party to express to Congressman Smith our love for clean water, air, and land and our desire to provide our children and future generations a safe, healthy planet. Moms Clean Air Force members delivered these Valentines to Congressman Smith’s office on Valentine’s Day.

Field consultant Krystal Henagan attending a kick off meeting for TX 23 Indivisibles.

January 2017

Field consultant Krystal Henagan responded to questions from a seventh grade Girl Scout troop in Flower Mound, Texas, during their “Breathe Journey,” a national Girl Scout initiative.

Moms Clean Air Force Texas attended the TX 21 Indivisible Kickoff Meeting, an Indivisible chapter for Rep. Lamar Smith’s district, to discuss the nomination of Scott Pruitt to EPA.

December 2016

Field organizer Krystal Henagan attended the Air and Health Collaborative of San Antonio meeting. The meeting highlighted what expectations members of the Air and Health Collaborative have as the City of San Antonio enters into a contract agreement to carry out the study for the City of San Antonio’s 2017 budget item “Public Health Impact Study of Non-Attainment.” Moms Clean Air Force played a leading role advocating for study and its approval.

Krystal Henagan presented at Los Reyes Career Day.

Krystal Henagan, along with her son Tanner and six San Antonio Superparents, met with U.S. Representative Joaquin Castro (TX-20) to voice Moms Clean Air Force’s strong opposition about the nomination of Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt to head the EPA.

Krystal Henagan attended a Karnes County Health Study meeting with partner organizations and health industry professionals.

October 2016

Moms Clean Air Force Texas participated in the National Hispanic Medical Association Southwest Region Policy Forum in San Antonio.

Moms Clean Air Force Texas hosted a San Antonio screening of Before the Flood. A discussion followed the screening with esteemed climate scientist Dr. Katharine Hayhoe; San Antonio Councilman Ron Nirenberg, who serves as chair of the Alamo Area Council of Government’s Air Improvement Resources Executive Committee; and the City of San Antonio’s Sustainability Director Doug Melnik.

September 2016

Field organizer Krystal Henagan attended a community workshop on sustainable development in San Antonio’s Eastside Promise Zone, a critical San Antonio environmental justice community.

Field organizer Krystal Henagan attended the U.S. Green Building Council’s Texas Chapter Allied Partner Luncheon.

Moms Clean Air Force Texas participated in the EPA’s Smart City Air Challenge Webinar titled “Air Quality Sensors.” The EPA’s Smart City Air Challenge funding is designed for communities to demonstrate their leadership in managing hundreds of air quality sensors at the local level. Field organizer Krystal Henagan is organizing a local collaboration for this grant with individuals from the University of Texas Health Science Center-San Antonio, the Alamo Area Council of Governments, the Air and Health Collaborative of San Antonio, Moms Clean Air Force, and the Environmental Defense Fund.

Moms Clean Air Force Texas participated in the Texas SEED Coalition/Public Citizen teleconference.

Field organizer Krystal Henagan, Ana Sandoval (Air and Health Collaborative of San Antonio), and Supermom Megan Arredondo delivered 70 letters to all San Antonio council members and Mayor Taylor. The letters were collected in support of the San Antonio Office of Sustainability’s FY17 funding request for a public health impact study for nonattainment.

Moms Clean Air Force Texas participated in the EPA Texas Environmental Justice Quarterly Teleconference.

Moms Clean Air Force Texas attended a public hearing for City of San Antonio Fiscal Year 2017 Proposed Budget.

August 2016

Moms Clean Air Force Texas attended the Bexar County Progressive Organizing Conference.

Moms Clean Air Force Texas attended a Regional Air Quality Branding Committee Meeting.

Moms Clean Air Force Texas attended the Air Quality and Health Collaborative of San Antonio meeting and presented two agenda items. Collaborative members were encouraged to contact their San Antonio council members in support of the proposed 2017 city budget funding request for a public health impact study for nonattainment.

Moms Clean Air Force Texas attended the EPA’s Region 6 Environmental Justice Summit. EPA asked field organizer Krystal Henagan to present during the summit on the efforts and successes Moms Clean Air Force in San Antonio and South Central Texas.

Field organizer Krystal Henagan attended the Climate Reality Leadership Training held in Houston, Texas.

Field organizer Krystal Henagan delivered testimony with her asthmatic seven-year-old son Tanner during a San Antonio City Council Public Hearing for San Antonio’s “SA Tomorrow” Sustainability component planning initiative as part of the City of San Antonio’s Master Plan.

July 2016

Moms Clean Air Force Texas presented on air quality and health at EcoCentro.

June 2016

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

Moms Clean Air Force Texas hosted a Mama Summit in San Antonio.

Field organizer Krystal Henagan delivered a presentation, “Air Quality and Health in San Antonio,” at EcoCentro. In attendance was Representative Lloyd Doggett’s (D-TX 35th District) district director, MaryEllen Veliz.

May 2016

Moms Clean Air Force Texas participated in an EPA Environmental Justice Meeting. 

Moms Clean Air Force Texas hosted a Mama Summit & Read-In with Judge Nelson Wolff in San Antonio.

April 2016

Moms Clean Air Force Texas attended Palo Alto College PACfest.

Moms Clean Air Force Texas participated in an Earth Day Texas Stroller Brigade at Earth Day Texas.

Moms Clean Air Force Texas presented at an educational assembly for Tuscany Heights Elementary students. 

Moms Clean Air Force Texas tabled at Earth Day Houston.

Moms Clean Air Force Texas hosted a Read-in with Boerne Councilwoman Woolard at the Patrick Heath Public Library in Boerne, Texas.

Moms Clean Air Force Texas hosted a Read-In with San Antonio Councilman Nirenberg at Howsman Elementary School. 

Moms Clean Air Force Texas tabled at Fresh Air Friday.

Moms Clean Air Force Texas tabled at Colonial Hills Health Fair.

March 2016

Moms Clean Air Force Texas hosted a Read-in with Leon Valley Mayor Riley at Leon Valley Public Library.

Moms Clean Air Force Texas attended Windcrest Health Fair.

Moms Clean Air Force Texas tabled and hosted Read-Ins at Cibolo Nature Center Family Festival.

Moms Clean Air Force Texas hosted a Read-In at the Spring Family Festival in Boerne, Texas.

Field organizer Krystal Henagan attended a presentation by Texas State Climatologist Dr. Nielsen-Gammon, who proudly accepted Moms Clean Air Force’s book Every Breath We Take.

Field organizer Krystal Henagan was selected by the Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) as a committee member for their Public Education Committee. Krystal will be involved in programming for their “Clear the Air” public education and outreach campaign throughout the 13-county Alamo planning region.

Moms Clean Air Force Texas participated in a press conference on disasters related to extreme weather at San Antonio City Hall.

February 2016

Moms Clean Air Force Texas tabled at the 6th Annual Run for the Heights, 5K Run/Walk, Kids’ Fun Run, & Health Fair.

January 2016

Moms Clean Air Force Texas participated in the Martin Luther King Jr. Pre-March Civil Rights for Kids Experience at the Martin Luther King Jr. Academy in San Antonio. The MLK Jr. Pre-March Civil Rights for Kids Experience provided an opportunity for youth of all ages to learn about our nation’s history, discuss current events, and brainstorm how they can make a difference in the community.

Moms Clean Air Force and Environment Texas teamed up to host an evening watching President Obama give his final State of the Union Address in San Antonio.

November 2015

The Moms Clean Air Force Texas Launch Event brought together community members, public health experts, and elected leaders to discuss Moms Clean Air Force Texas’s scope of work on regional and national campaigns. Speakers included San Antonio Councilman Ron Nirenberg; Diane Rhodes, award-winning Asthma Education program developer for Northeast ISD; and Ana Sandoval MPH. More than thirty people attended, including media and a representative of Texas State Senator Jose Menedez’s office.

October 2015

On October 15, Moms Clean Air Force Texas traveled to La Vernia to meet with Dr. Zac Hildenbrand, with UTA C.L.E.A.R, to discuss air quality research in the Eagle Ford Shale.

On October 14, Moms Clean Air Force Texas participated in the NIEHS/EPA Children’s Centers 2015 Webinar Series: Protecting Children’s Health for a Lifetime.

On October 13, Moms Clean Air Force Texas attended the Alamo Group of the Sierra Club Conservation Committee meeting and gave an overview of our work in the San Antonio region.

September 2015

On September 23, Moms Clean Air Force Texas members testified at an EPA public hearing on Oil and Natural Gas Air Pollution Standards in support of strong methane standards for new sources of natural gas pollution. They urged EPA to consider existing sources as well.

April 2015

Moms Clean Air Force Texas tabled at Earth Day Dallas–the largest Earth Day festival in all of Texas, with hundreds of organizations congregating to connect with the community about the environment. During the event, Moms Clean Air Force volunteers met with hundreds of Dallas area families. We collected signatures for our Play-In for Climate Action petition urging Senator Cruz and Senator Cornyn to protect Texas children for carbon pollution.

January 2015

Moms Clean Air Force staff and members testified at an EPA public hearing on National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Ground-Level Ozone in support of stronger federal smog protections in Arlington, Texas.

2023

• Houston Chronicle, EPA moves to crack down on toxic zones like Houston Ship Channel
• Houston Chronicle, Community hit by Shell fire while decrying permit renewal for ITC, site of 2019 disaster
• Cronkite News, Phoenix again ranks among most polluted; people of color more likely to be exposed and develop health issues, report says
• 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
• The Limited Times, Latinas take action for their children: “They see their asthma attacks, their respiratory problems, and they look for solutions”
• Noticias Telemundo, Latinas toman acción por sus hijos: “Ven sus ataques de asma, sus problemas respiratorios y buscan soluciones”
• la Red hispana, New regulations improve the air Latino families breathe
• Univision Houston, Organizaciones ambientales piden a EPA nuevas y más estrictas regulaciones para el manejo de metano
• Univision 24/7, EPA Aprueba Propuesta Para Reducir La Contaminación de Metano

2022

• Law360, EPA Issues Final Standards For Heavy-Duty Vehicle Emissions
• Radio Bilingue, Anuncia EPA las más estrictas reglas para emisiones de vehículos pesados en la historia
• Press release, EPA’s Clean Trucks Plan Helps Protect Families From Dangerous Freight Truck and Bus Pollution, Recognizes Leading State Clean Truck Programs, and Charts the Path to Zero Emissions
• Press release, Texas Moms Applaud Improvements to EPA Methane Rule
• The Pampa News, New Climate Bill to Tackle Texas Methane Emissions
• Houston Chronicle, Houston ISD to add electric, propane buses with $6.2M in federal funds to cut emissions
• Houston Chronicle, Houston region again fails to meet federal ozone requirement set 14 years ago
• Telemundo Nueva Inglaterra, 5 años después del devastador huracán María
• Public News Service, New Climate Bill to Tackle Texas Methane Emissions
• KVUE, Austin leaders push for electric buses in Austin ISD
• Salon, What overturning Roe v. Wade means for pregnant people in pollution hotspots
• Univision, “Los más afectados son los niños”: organización pide a autoridades priorizar la lucha por un aire más limpio
• Grist, What overturning Roe v. Wade means for pregnant people in pollution hotspots
• KERA News, With air quality failing to improve, North Texas may soon be classified as ‘severe’ violator of EPA standards
• Fort Worth Report, With air quality failing to improve, North Texas may soon be classified as ‘severe’ violator of EPA standards
• Public News Service, Researchers Question Cost-benefit of Methane Emissions from Low-Producing Oil and Gas Wells
• Houston Chronicle, Opinion: Text me when the air is unsafe, and don’t shut down air monitors during disasters
• San Antonio Express-News, Public health, not health care, will lower Texans’ medical costs
• KPRC 2, Commissioner Rodney Ellis, clean air advocates call on President Biden, EPA to enact strict safeguards on power plants in Texas
• Texas Observer, A Bipartisan Win for Texas: Electric School Buses

2021

• One Breath Partnership, The Gulf Coast is worth the fight
• Abuelas en Acción, EcoMadres for Clean Air
• Press Release, Moms Speak Up at EPA Listening Sessions for Methane Rulemaking, Voicing Need for Federal Methane Pollution Protections
• Houston Chronicle, Opinion: TCEQ needs to communicate more in Spanish
• Houston Chronicle, Opinion: TCEQ tiene que comunicar en español para todos los tejanos
• Public News Service, Congress on Track to Revive Oil, Gas Methane Emission Limits
• One Breath Partnership, ‘We are fighting for protection’: A conversation with Erandi Treviño of Moms Clean Air Force

2020

• Her Campus, There Is No Climate Justice Without Racial Justice
• One Breath Partnership, Black children have the highest prevalence of asthma in the U.S.
• Scary Mommy, Climate Change Can (And Does) Negatively Impact Pregnant Moms And Babies
• Pod Save the People, What Comes Next (With Joanna Schwartz)
• The New York Times, Climate Change Tied to Pregnancy Risks, Affecting Black Mothers Most
• Houston Chronicle, Tell Environmental Protection Agency black communities need clean air to breathe
• Houston Chronicle, Ground control to Senator John
• Public Citizen, Houston’s Climate Plan Is a Good First Step, but More Is Needed
• ABC News, Climate making air pollution worse, almost half of Americans exposed to unhealthy levels: Report
• The Houston Chronicle, Trump officials reject stricter air quality standards despite link between pollution, respiratory risks
• Press Release, Texas 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
• Mother Jones, Your City’s Air Pollution Could Make COVID-19 Even More Dangerous
• The Center for Public Integrity, A Likely but Hidden Coronavirus Risk Factor: Pollution
• Life Is Good, The Moms Clean Air Force: Fighting for Our Kids’ Health
• Houston Public Media, Report: Houston Had Over 100 Days of Poor Air Quality In 2018

2019

• KUT 90.5 Austin NPR, Port Neches Plant Rocked By Multiple Explosions Was Declared High Priority Violator By EPA
• Waco Tribune Heral, Port Neches plant rocked by multiple explosions was declared high priority violator by EPA
• The Texas Tribune, Port Neches plant rocked by multiple explosions has history of environmental missteps
• Public Citizen, DeeDee Belmares Hired as Public Citizen’s San Antonio Organizer
• Press Release, Moms Clean Air Force Applauds Passage of San Antonio’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
• Dallas Morning News, Feelings of ‘despair’: Climate change activists testify against EPA plans to roll back methane emissions standards
• Press Release, Moms Clean Air Force to Host Inaugural “Climate Action Power Summit” to Mobilize Communities & Lawmakers to Act on Climate Now
• Salud America, Salud Talks Podcast Episode One: “On Fire”
• Press Release, Moms Clean Air Force Opposes Trump’s Plan to Gut Critical EPA Methane Safeguards for Texas Families
• Press Release, TX Moms Join Members of Congress on Capitol Hill as Part of Sweeping Movement for Climate Solutions
• LMTonline, Ecomadres discuss clean air and climate issues
• KGNS.tv, Local groups discuss environmental issues in Laredo
• Press Statement, Moms Clean Air Force Issues Statement About Petrochemical Fires In Texas
• Public News Service, Texas Moms Testify to Keep Mercury Protections
• Noticiero Telemundo Houston, Video Clip from EPA’s Mercury Pollution Proposal Hearing
• The Rivard Report, Full Accounting of Climate Plan’s Costs and Benefits Called for at CPS Energy Hearing
• San Antonio Express-News, Texas industrial polluters targeted in new report by environmental group

2018

• San Antonio Express-News, San Antonio mom says EPA shouldn’t roll back methane rules
• DFW Child, What to Know (and What to Do) About Air Pollution and Your Child’s Health
• San Antonio Current, Climate Plática This Weekend Aims to Bring Environmental Justice Home to S.A.
• Public News Service, Health Impacts of Oil and Gas Pollution: Texas Mom Shares Her Story
• Houston Chronicle, Environmental group warns of pollution risks from regulatory rollbacks
• Telepresser Audio Recording, NEW REPORT: Trump Administration Attacks on Methane Safeguards Threaten Rural and Urban Families, Adds to Pollution Burden of Vulnerable Populations
• San Antonio Express-News, Environmental group warns of pollution risks from regulatory rollbacks
• The Herald-Zeitung, Quarry opponents await next step from TCEQ
• Rivard Report, Meet the 86 Volunteers Who Will Guide San Antonio’s Climate Plan

2017

• Texas Public Radio, Deteriorating Air Quality In San Antonio Could Mean More Respiratory Deaths
• San Antonio Current, San Antonio’s Ozone Levels Are Too High — but the EPA isn’t Paying Attention. Now What?
• Bloomberg BNA, Outsider From Texas Now Setting EPA Science Panel’s Agenda
• 550 KTSA News, Environmentalists Point To Oil And Gas Threats In TX
• Public News Service, Oil-Rig Map Identifies Pollution Risks to Texas Children
• NOWCast San Antonio, Map shows children, schools, seniors at risk from nearby oil and gas facilities
• New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung, Quarry opponents prepare for battle
• San Antonio Express-News, Quarry plan surprises, riles Comal County residents
• Texas Public Radio, San Antonio Groups Rally To Prioritize Air Quality After State Funding Cuts
• ABC 12 KSAT, San Antonio given another year to get air pollution under threshold set by EPA
• Think Progress, Dozens testify against Trump administration’s proposed delay of key methane rule
• Dallas News, House approves Texan’s bill to delay Obama-era ozone standards for reducing pollution
• KTSA 107.1, Activists Applaud Methane Emissions Ruling
• The Bay City Tribune, Ruling on oilfield methane emissions has Texas implications
• Public News Service, Court Ruling on Oilfield Methane Emissions has Big TX Implications
• Environmental Defense Fund, Just like social causes, environmentalism is about putting people first
• News 4 San Antonio, Governor cuts nearly $1.5 million for air quality planning in San Antonio
• San Antonio Express News, Coalition urges San Antonio mayor to support Paris climate agreement
• San Antonio Business Journal, Paris Accord supporters pressure San Antonio mayor to join “We Are Still In” movement
• The Monitor, COMMENTARY: Trump’s dangerous proposed EPA budget cuts will hurt Texas
• Pleasanton Express, Residents to TCEQ: We want answers
• San Antonio Express-News, San Antonio ozone forecast high for Saturday
• NBC News 4 San Antonio, Company wanting to store high level nuclear waste in Texas suspends application
• San Antonio Express News, Morals in energy 
• Houston Chronicle, Lead levels threaten school water
• FOX 29 San Antonio, Sued over air pollution, SE Side restaurant agrees to make changes to cut down on smoke
• Bandera Country Courier, Constituents deliver hundreds of Valentines to local Lamar Smith’s office in attempt to be heard
• San Antonio Post, Clean air activists target SA congressman with reputation as “climate skeptic”
• San Antonio Business Journal, Clean air activists target SA congressman with reputation as “climate skeptic”
• Now Cast SA, Lamar Smith’s office receives pro-science Valentine’s greeting
• San Antonio Express-News, Sandoval fulfills Castros’ wish with District 7 campaign
• The Frontier, Highlights of Scott Pruitt’s EPA hearing
• Houston News, New Congress Moves to Gut Environmental Protections

2016

• Coal Tar Free America, Doctors, Lawyers & Coal Tar Relief: 2016 Year in Review
• Houston Public Media, EPA Hears Comments On Refinery Rule Exemptions
• San Antonio Express-News, Poll indicates public’s desire for cleaner air in San Antonio
• Rivard Report, DiCaprio’s Before the Flood Documentary Calls for Stronger Climate Change Action
• San Antonio Express-News, City Council votes to ban coal-tar sealants, truck idling
• News4SA, Heat Zones and How They Effect Your Child’s Asthma
• San Antonio Express-News, City Council to vote Thursday on banning coal-tar based pavement sealant
• Public News Service, Report Lists Top 11 Companies for Methane Pollution
• El Paso Herald-Post, Report Lists Top 11 Companies for Methane Pollution
• NowCastSA, San Antonio groups brainstorm strategies for cleaner air
• San Antonio Current, SA’s Declining Air Quality Puts the Whole City at Risk 
• San Antonio Express-News, Climate change fueling extreme weather in Texas, groups say
• News 4 San Antonio, Helotes mom talks with D.C. officials about better air quality
• San Antonio Express-News, Pollos Asados could soon reopen
• The Rivard Report, Commentary: TCEQ, Alamo Area – Friends or Foes on Air Quality?

2015

• Scholastic, A March for Climate Action
• The Guardian, Global Climate March
• The Rivard Report, Facing Strict Standards, San Antonio Leaders Push for Cleaner Air
• Time Warner Cable News, San Antonio in Violation of New Ozone Standards
• Texas Campaign for the Environment, DFW Residents Rally for Clean Air
• Sierra Club, Huge Turnout in Dallas to Support Methane Standards
• San Antonio Express-News, Barely in compliance now, San Antonio will have to lower ozone pollution
• KABB Fox 29, EPA to set new air quality regulations
• Earthworks, Texas Scientists, Communities, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, Speak Out for Strong Rules to Reduce Harmful Methane Pollution from Oil and Gas Activity 
• Truth Out, Scientists, Citizens Call for EPA to Strengthen Proposed Methane Emissions Rules