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

members in Washington, DC

How we’re making a difference in Washington, DC

DC Moms Work for Justice in Every Breath

Moms Clean Air Force works actively in DC to address climate change issues that disproportionately harm communities of color. We are committed to bringing moms together to develop events, policies, and actions to end environmental injustices in DC.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE PROGRAMS

DC Moms Respond to COVID-19

As we continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic, Moms Clean Air Force is holding all in-person events in compliance with local public health guidance. Keeping our families safe is our top priority.

Moms from Washington, DC, join Moms Clean Air Force members across the country to tell EPA to finalize strong methane regulations.

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 Public Health Policy Director Molly Rauch and DC organizer Stephanie Klein offered testimony. In her comments, Stephanie offered her perspective as a mom:

The reason so many moms have turned out to speak at this listening session is because more than anything, we care about our children’s well-being, and we will fight for what’s best for them. And what is best for our kids is most certainly a planet where they can live out their lives absent the disastrous impacts of climate change. That means a planet with clean air and a stable climate.

Moms and kids from Washington, DC, 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 DC joined more than 30 Moms Clean Air Force staff and volunteers from 13 states 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 Public Health Policy Director Molly Rauch, DC field organizer Stephanie Klein, two Supermoms, and a Kids Clean Air Force member offered testimony.

“Part of my job as an organizer is to speak with members of my community about the causes and health impacts of air pollution locally. When I talk to kids, while they typically do not understand the process by which cars burn gasoline to make energy, they do grasp the basic concept of tailpipe pollution, and their reaction is always, ‘Well, we need to make cars run as cleanly as possible.’ And they’re right. EPA has an important job in setting pollution limits for cars.” –Stephanie Klein

Moms welcome the Red Road to DC to the Nation’s Capital.

On July 29, the House of Tears Carvers of the Lummi Nation arrived in Washington, DC, with a 24-foot totem pole brought from Washington State as part of a journey called the Red Road to DC. As the pole traveled across the country this summer, it visited many sacred and cultural places to draw lines of connection—honoring, uniting, and empowering communities working to protect all sacred places. The pole carries the spirit of the lands it visited and the power and prayers of communities along the way.

Moms Clean Air Force greeted the Red Road to DC on the National Mall, offering support to deliver the messages from the many communities visited on the journey to the Biden-Harris administration. The Lummi carvers hosted a blessing ceremony and rally on the National Mall. Speakers, including Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, shared a message of hope as they discussed Indigenous communities’ shared need to be respected as sovereign decision makers for their lands.

Great Grandmother Mary Lyons, an Ojibwe elder and long-time member of Moms Clean Air Force, spoke to Elizabeth Brandt, Moms’ Field and Special Projects Manager, at the event about the devastating impacts that the Line 3 Pipeline will have on Indigenous communities. Watch their conversation HERE.

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

In June 2021, Washington, DC, 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 DC organizer Stephanie Klein offered testimony. She connected the dots between methane, a highly potent greenhouse gas, and climate change:

“As the climate is changing and the earth is warming, we are starting to see more and more record-breaking heat waves. Washington, DC, is also experiencing record-breaking floods caused by rising sea levels and heavy rain events as a result of climate change. In fact, communities along the Potomac River have been building flood walls to address the more frequent and severe flooding that is occurring on a now-regular basis. Our famous cherry blossoms are even blooming earlier as the planet warms.”

Read Stephanie’s full testimony HERE.

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority commits to electrify its transit bus fleet by 2045.

In June 2021, WMATA presented a sustainability plan to its Board of Directors that included transitioning its fleet of transit buses to 100% electric by 2045. Moms in DC, Maryland, and Virginia applaud this important first step in reducing emissions from WMATA’s 1,500-bus fleet. The economic, climate, and public health benefits of electrifying WMATA’s buses are significant and are detailed in an October 2020 report published by Sierra Club in partnership with Moms Clean Air Force and 16 other organization.

WMATA included the commitment to transition its fleet to fully electric by 2045 in its sustainability plan following months of pressure from DC Moms and our partner organizations. We will continue to urge WMATA to phase out the purchase of fossil fuel-powered buses by 2025 and ensure 50% of its fleet is electric by 2030.

DC 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 DC joined more than 40 Moms Clean Air Force staff and volunteers from 16 states 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 Public Health Policy Director Molly Rauch, Program Coordinator Hailey Duncan, DC Field Organizer Stephanie Klein, Supermom Dorothy Brandt, and nine-year-old Michaela Pipkin offered testimony.

Molly connected her own experience with asthma to ozone pollution and climate-warming tailpipe emissions:

In April, DC once again received an F for ground-level ozone pollution from the American Lung Association, in their annual State of the Air report. As someone who has been prescribed an asthma inhaler for my own breathing problems, I know firsthand that high ozone days can make it hard to breathe. This is especially true for the 12% of DC children—15,000—who have asthma….The transportation sector is the nation’s leading source of climate-warming carbon pollution. If we want to protect our children from ozone pollution and from climate change, we simply must cut pollution from cars, trucks, and buses as quickly as possible.

Read Molly’s full testimony HERE.

Hailey spoke about the impact of vehicle pollution on communities of color:

My academic training in geography and public policy has led me down the path of working and researching with families who, because of where they live, are disproportionately exposed to pollutants every day. Historically, transportation policy in this country has cut off or decimated communities of color to make way for highway systems without regard for the health impacts the increased traffic would cause. Those who were able stay in their community following highway development have faced increased pollution exposure—which, as we know, causes premature death and increases respiratory-related illnesses—from the cars brought through their community by highways. I urge you to think about families facing environmental injustices every day when weighing the decision to reinstate the clean cars waiver.

Read Hailey’s full testimony HERE.

DC Moms welcome the new EPA Administrator, Michael Regan.

On March 10, 2021, the Senate voted to confirm Michael Regan to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This is good news for our children: Administrator Regan aims to return the agency to its vital mission of protecting human health and the environment. He plans to prioritize environmental justice and take action to address the climate crisis.

Six days later, Moms Clean Air Force members and staff showed up at EPA headquarters in DC to deliver personal welcome messages for Administrator Regan from our members across the country.

Read more about our outdoor, socially distanced visit with the new EPA administrator HERE.

“Science is back!” Moms Clean Air Force members and staff greeted the recently confirmed EPA Administrator Michael Regan outside EPA Headquarters in DC, March 16, 2021.

DC 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 DC joined more than 50 Moms Clean Air Force staff and volunteers from 14 states 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.

Public Health Policy Director Molly Rauch, DC organizer Stephanie Klein, and 3 volunteers offered testimony. Listen to Molly’s testimony here:

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

Public Health Policy Director Molly Rauch, DC organizer Stephanie Klein, and Supermom Dorothy Brandt offered testimony.

Moms Clean Air Force elevates the concerns of moms around the country at the DC public hearing on the rollback of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

Moms from Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia testified against the proposed rollbacks to NEPA at the Council on Environmental Quality public hearing in Washington, DC, on February 25, 2020. During the Rally to Protect Your Voice, which included speakers from around the country, DC Field Organizer Stephanie Klein elevated moms’ concerns about the Trump administration’s attempt to weaken this critical tool for public input that protects communities and our children.

Moms Clean Air Force DC joins the Mayor’s Green Building Advisory Council.

DC organizer Stephanie Klein was appointed to DC Mayor Muriel Bowser’s Green Building Advisory Council in December 2019. In this role, she helps the District develop and implement innovative programs to further the green building goals outlined in the Clean Energy DC Act, the nation’s most progressive state climate legislation.

Moms DC Field Organizer Stephanie Klein joins the Green Building Advisory Council, December 2019.

Moms helped DC pass a landmark climate change bill.

As part of the DC Climate Coalition, Moms Clean Air Force DC fought to pass the strongest state climate bill in the country, moving DC to 100% renewable energy by 2032. Moms Clean Air Force spent years educating community members, talking with DC council members, testifying at public hearings, attending visibility events, sending letters, making signs, showing up at city council meetings, and placing calls to get the District mayor and council members on board with the climate bill. The Clean Energy DC Act was passed unanimously by the DC City Council in December 2018. The bill is already creating ripples throughout the country.

Moms Clean Air Force members thank DC Council members Kenyan McDuffie and Mary Cheh for their commitment to addressing climate change through the strongest state-level climate bill in the nation.

Moms Clean Air Force’s DC organizer, Elizabeth Brandt, is highlighted on the BBC for her work helping to get the Clean Energy DC Act passed in 2018.

Urging the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority to electrify its transit bus fleet.

In the fall of 2020, Moms Clean Air Force DC and partner organizations released a 17-page report titled A Vision for Climate Leadership in Washington, DC: Seizing the Economic, Climate, and Public Health Benefits of Electrifying WMATA’s Transit Bus Fleet. WMATA operates the 6th largest transit bus fleet in the nation with more than 1,500 buses. Currently, only one of those buses is electric, and only 14 additional electric buses are expected to enter the fleet over the next year.

After months of conversations with Moms and our partners, the DC Council introduced a resolution calling on WMATA to electrify its bus fleet “on a schedule that meets—preferably exceeds—the deadlines in the Clean Energy DC Act.” Specifically, the resolution urges WMATA to phase out the purchase of internal combustion engine buses by 2023 and to electrify its bus fleet on the following timeline: 50% by 2030, 75% by 2035, 90% by 2040, and 100% by 2045.

In June 2021, WMATA released a sustainability plan that includes a commitment to transition its fleet to 100% electric-powered buses by 2045. While this is an important first step, we will continue to call on the Metro to immediately phase out the purchase of internal combustion buses, transition half of its fleet to electric by 2030, and prioritize the deployment of electric buses in environmental justice and low-income communities. Moms Clean Air Force members are working with government officials in DC, Maryland, and Virginia to generate support for this campaign.

Moving DC to enact strong climate policies.

As federal legislation lags, no city has sent a stronger message demanding climate action than DC. Moms Clean Air Force organized parents to reduce fossil fuel pollution and create a more just and sustainable economy for all through the passage of a landmark climate change bill, the Clean Energy DC Act. The bill was passed by the DC Council in December 2018. The nation’s capital will adopt one of the most aggressive carbon-cutting goals in the country, providing a showcase example for climate action at the local level. It will put DC on the path to 100% renewable electricity by 2032, fund local sustainability initiatives, decrease harmful climate pollution, and support low-income residents.

Moms Clean Air Force played an integral role in the DC Climate Coalition, a group of over one hundred organizations and businesses united for a strong climate law for the city. Our moms met with city council members, testified at hearings, and participated in visibility events to push for the passage of the bill, helping to show support for strong, health-protective climate action.

Moms Clean Air Force looks forward to continuing to work with the city as the law is implemented in the upcoming years.

Moms Clean Air Force DC Organizer Elizabeth Brandt (left) and Public Health Policy Director Molly Rauch (center) speaking at a press conference outside DC City Hall to celebrate the passage of the Clean Energy DC Act, December 2018.

We work for change at the local and federal level.

DC moms are uniquely positioned to push for change both at the local and federal level. Our DC chapter relies on the power of our “Supermoms,” highly active members who support our mission, attend events, speak to press, and represent our million members in other parts of the country. They join legislative visits to Capitol Hill, attend and testify at public hearings, participate in on-the-ground events such as rallies and marches, and contribute their advice and unique skills to our work.

Moms Clean Air Force members at the Play-In for Climate Action, Washington, DC.

Our children breathe dirty air.

DC’s air quality has improved dramatically over the past several years. While code red air days for both ozone and particulate matter were a common occurrence in the early 2000s, the frequency of these days has dramatically declined in recent years. But while the region has made substantial steps to reduce air pollution in DC, there is still much work to be done.

Despite improvements in the number of code red air days, in 2021, the American Lung Association gave the District an F grade for ozone air pollution owing to the high number of code orange days.

Moms Clean Air Force is continuing to educate residents on the dangers of ozone pollution, as well as helping to push for stronger national air pollution standards.

Upcoming Events › Washington DC

February 2022

Climate Can’t Wait Bike Caravan

February 3
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm

Union Station, 50 Massachusetts Ave NE
Washington, DC 20002 United States + Google Map

Moms Clean Air Force is joining the Climate Action Campaign at 12PM on Thursday, February 3, for a COVID-safe and socially distanced bike caravan around the Senate office buildings to cheer on our champions and urge the Senate to #ActOnClimate now by passing the climate investments in the Build Back Better Act. We will gather together before heading out around Capitol Hill to raise awareness, and we hope you can join us. Learn more and register HERE.

Find out more »

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Past Events

December 2021

On December 21, National Field Manager Elizabeth Brandt and her daughter Valencia attended the signing of finalized—and ambitious—Clean Car Standards for light-duty vehicles of model years 2023–26 by Administrator Michael Regan at EPA Headquarters in DC. They were both invited to give remarks ahead of the signing ceremony. Watch the replay.

On December 16, Moms went to Capitol Hill to greet Senators and their staff as they left work for the day and to tell them: Moms are watching to make sure the Senate passes the Build Back Better Act, with its once-in-a-generation investments in climate protections for our families.

On December 14, Moms Clean Air Force joined Defend Our Future on Capitol Hill to greet Senators and their staff as they arrived at work for the day and tell them to pass the Build Back Better Act.

On December 1, Moms Clean Air Force joined Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow, a group of seven moderate Senate Democrats—Senators John Tester, Catherine Cortez Masto, Michael Bennet, Tim Kaine, Tom Carper, Bob Casey, and Chris Coons—Climate Power, League of Conservation Voters, and other partners to call on the Senate to pass the Build Back Better Act without delay. Watch the replay.

Moms Clean Air Force Washington, DC, 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 Public Health Policy Director Molly Rauch and DC organizer Stephanie Klein offered testimony. Read Molly’s full testimony here, and read Stephanie’s here.

DC organizer Stephanie Klein prepares to give testimony at the EPA public hearing on its proposed methane rule.

November 2021

On November 17, Moms Clean Air Force DC joined Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Congressional Democrats, the League of Conservation Voters, and Climate Power for a Build Back Better press event on Capitol Hill. Speakers highlighted the critical climate provisions in the Build Back Better Act.

On November 16, Moms went to Capitol Hill to greet members of Congress and their staff as they left work for the day. Our message: Moms are watching to make sure our legislators pass the Build Back Better Act, with its once-in-a-generation investments in climate protections for our families.

On November 5, DC moms and kids headed to Capitol Hill to call on Congress to pass the bipartisan infrastructure bill and the Build Back Better Act—to protect our children’s health and future.

October 2021

On October 27, moms and kids gathered near the Capitol to raise awareness of the critical climate provisions in the Build Back Better Act. The theme of the event: Climate change is scary!

On October 20, Moms Clean Air Force attended a press conference about the Build Back Better Act and climate jobs, featuring Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senator Cory Booker (NJ), Senator Tom Carper (DE), Senator Martin Heinrich (NM), Senator Ben Ray Lujan (NM), Senator Tina Smith (MN), Congresswoman Kathy Castor (FL-14), Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-3), Congressman Ro Khanna (CA-17), Congressman Don McEachin (VA-4), Congressman Joe Neguse (CO-2), and Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury (NM-1). The event was hosted by the League of Conservation Voters, Climate Power, and the Climate Action Campaign. Watch the replay.

On October 19, Moms Clean Air Force program coordinator Hailey Duncan and DC field organizer Stephanie Klein testified at the White House Council on Environmental Quality’s public hearing on the proposed reinstatement of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) rulemaking.

On October 7, DC moms visited the powerful installation on the National Mall highlighting the impacts of climate change and the importance of passing the Build Back Better Act with all its critical climate provisions.

September 2021

On September 28, Moms Clean Air Force staff and members from Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia, Georgia, and West Virginia joined the Clean Vehicles Coalition to deliver comments on EPA’s rulemaking on near-term greenhouse gas emissions standards for cars and light trucks to Administrator Michael Regan.

On September 28, Moms Clean Air Force staff, including Georgia organizer Almeta Cooper, West Virginia organizer Lucia Valentine, Program Coordinator Hailey Duncan, and Field and Special Projects Manager Elizabeth Brandt (along with her two children), joined Speaker Nancy Pelosi for a press conference on the importance of climate action at the Capitol. Watch the replay.

On September 20, DC moms and kids joined the Climate Action Campaign for a honk and wave event downtown to show support for passing big, bold, ambitious investments in climate, jobs, and justice.

On September 14, Moms Clean Air Force DC joined the Climate Action Campaign to greet members of Congress and their staff on their way to work, asking them to honk for climate action.

On September 13, Moms Clean Air Force DC joined Senate Leader Chuck Schumer at the Climate Action Now Rally at the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial. Leader Schumer, Senator Martin Heinrich, Senator Tina Smith, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Senator Ron Wyden, Congressman Peter DeFazio, Congressman Sean Casten, and more spoke out at the event for major climate investments in the Build Back Better Act.

Elizabeth Brandt and her daughters with Senate Leader Chuck Schumer at the Climate Action Now Rally, September 2021.

August 2021

In August, Public Health Policy Director Molly Rauch, DC field organizer Stephanie Klein, two Supermoms, and a Kids Clean Air Force member joined more than 30 Moms Clean Air Force staff and volunteers from 13 states to deliver testimony at EPA’s public hearing about strengthening near-term greenhouse gas emissions standards for cars and light trucks. Read Molly’s testimony here, Stephanie’s here, and Supermom Dorothy Brandt’s here.

On August 23, Moms Clean Air Force DC rallied for big, bold investments in climate, jobs, and justice.

Moms Clean Air Force calls on Congress to pass ambitious climate legislation, August 2021.

On August 4, Moms Clean Air Force program coordinator Hailey Duncan, DC field organizer Stephanie Klein, and DC moms and kids joined youth activists for 100% clean energy on the National Mall to urge Congress to Act on Climate. Together, youth leaders from across the country endorsed bold investments in climate solutions, including achieving a 100% clean grid, powered by renewable sources like wind and solar, by 2035.

Moms Clean Air Force DC field organizer Stephanie Klein with moms and kids on the National Mall for the Youth Activists for 100% Clean Energy rally, August 2021.

July 2021

Over the summer of 2021, the House of Tears Carvers of the Lummi Nation transported a 24-foot totem pole from Washington State to Washington, DC. As the pole traveled, it visited many sacred and cultural places to draw lines of connection, honoring, uniting, and empowering communities working to protect all sacred places. On July 29, Moms Clean Air Force welcomed the Red Road to DC tour to the National Mall to help them deliver the messages from the many communities visited along the way to the Biden-Harris administration. Read more.

DC Field Organizer Stephanie Klein, Field Manager Elizabeth Brandt, and Program Coordinator Hailey Duncan with Kids Clean Air Force members at Red Road to DC, July 2021.

On July 20, Moms Clean Air Force Field and Special Projects Manager Elizabeth Brandt attended a press conference hosted by Senators Chuck Schumer, Chris Coons, and Ron Wyden in support of the Civilian Climate Corps. Watch the replay.

June 2021

Moms from Washington, DC, 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. DC organizer Stephanie Klein offered testimony. Read Stephanie’s testimony.

On June 2, Public Health Policy Director Molly Rauch, Program Coordinator Hailey Duncan, DC Field Organizer Stephanie Klein, Supermom Dorothy Brandt, and nine-year-old Michaela Pipkin 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 Molly’s testimony.

May 2021

On May 27, Moms Clean Air Force DC organizer Stephanie Klein attended a coalition happy hour for the groups working on the WMATA bus electrification campaign.

Moms Clean Air Force co-sponsored Concrete Dreams, a temporary public art project featuring an installation and livestream of community-sourced poetry on saris, mini movable sculptures, and projections at the DC Art Center May 20 to 22. The project was a collaboration of three DC artist-activists: Monica Jahan Bose, filmmaker Robin Bell, and Maps Glover. Moms Clean Air Force Field Manager Elizabeth Brandt spoke at the opening ceremony for the installation on May 20.

Moms Clean Air Force DC organizer Stephanie Klein attended the monthly DC Climate Coalition meeting.

April 2021

On April 24, DC Moms helped install Inauguration Kolam 2021, a collaborative public art presentation, in front of the US Capitol. Kolam are geometric designs drawn on the ground as a sign of welcome. This project celebrates the leadership of our first South Asian vice president, Kamala Harris. The kolam were created by volunteers across the country, who filled in the geometric patterns on cardboard pieces. The artists hooked the pieces together to make a giant pattern.

On Earth Day, Moms Clean Air Force DC cosponsored the premiere of the film Warming Waters by artists and climate activists Monica Jahan Bose and Robin Bell. Following the screening, Monica and Robin discussed their continued collaboration and the new public art project Concrete Dreams.

On April 16, Moms Clean Air Force DC organizer Stephanie Klein and Field Manager Elizabeth Brandt hosted a virtual tour the studios of two local artists who advocate for clean air and a healthy climate, Monica Jahan Bose and Claire Brandt. Watch the replay.

On April 5, Moms Clean Air Force DC organizer Stephanie Klein attended the monthly DC Climate Coalition meeting.

March 2021

On March 16, Moms Clean Air Force members and staff showed up at EPA headquarters in DC to deliver personal welcome messages from our members across the country for the newly appointed administrator, Michael Regan. See photos from the event HERE.

On March 15, Moms Clean Air Force DC organizer Stephanie Klein gave testimony at the DC City Council performance oversight hearing for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority. Her comments focused on the need to electrify WMATA’s transit bus fleet no later than 2045. Read her testimony.

February 2021

On February 11, Moms Clean Air Force staff, members, and kids delivered Valentine’s Day cookies and cards to our climate champions at EPA and in Congress.

Defend Our Future and Moms Clean Air Force staff and kids deliver Valentines at the EPA.

October 2020

On October 9, DC organizer Stephanie Klein testified at the DC Council Public Roundtable on Waste Management and Agency Operations at the Department of Public Works.

September 2020
On September 29, Moms Clean Air Force chapters in DC, Montana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia hosted watch parties for the first presidential debate. After receiving hundreds of emails and tweets from our members, debate moderator Chris Wallace strayed from the planned debate topics and spent 10 minutes questioning the candidates about their climate policy. It was the first time a debate moderator had asked a question about climate change during a presidential debate in 12 years.

DC Moms joined the September meeting of the DC Climate Coalition on September 14. The meeting featured We Power DC’s campaign against Pepco’s unjust rate increases and the Sierra Club DC’s Beyond Gas campaign.

DC 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. Public Health Policy Director Molly Rauch, DC organizer Stephanie Klein, and 3 volunteers urged EPA to follow the science and strengthen the existing rule. Listen to Molly’s testimony here.

August 2020

DC Moms joined the August meeting of the DC Climate Coalition on August 3. The meeting featured a presentation from the Sierra Club on oil & gas pollution and how to accelerate DC’s transition away from methane use in buildings.

July 2020

Moms Clean Air Force DC participated in the dedication ceremony for Warming Waters, an installation of massive, colorful cotton fabric saris from Bangladesh covered with printmaking and writing about climate change by residents of Washington and Katakhali Village, Bangladesh, along with evening video projections on July 23. The installation draped the C&O Canal wall in Georgetown from July 23 to 25.

May 2020

DC 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.

April 2020

Monica Jahan Bose and Robin Bell hosted Moms Clean Air Force and other partners for the WARMING WATERS Earth Day 50th Anniversary Virtual Event.

February 2020

Field organizer Stephanie Klein co-led a DC City Hall Lobby Day on the implementation of the Clean Energy DC Plan with partners from the Sierra Club, Audubon Society, and Chesapeake Climate Action Network.

Members of Moms Clean Air Force from Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and DC, testified at the Washington, DC, public hearing on the rollback the National Environmental Policy Act. Moms spoke out against the White House’s plan to weaken this important safeguard. Read more here.

National Field Director Heather McTeer Toney testified before the House Committee on Oversight and Reform about the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards on February 6.

National Field Director Heather McTeer Toney testifies before the House Committee on Oversight and Reform against the weakening of our mercury standards.

December 2019

On December 20, National Field Director Heather Toney joined a powerful lineup of speakers at Fire Drill Friday to call for urgent action to protect our children’s health. Speakers included Dolores Huerta, Jane Fonda, Reverand Barbor, among others. Read more about the event here.

National Field Director Heather McTeer Toney, center, with, from left, Catherine Keener, Dolores Huerta, Roshi Joan Halifax, Jane Fonda, and Gloria Steinem during the "Fire Drill Fridays" protest, calling on Congress for action to address climate change, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, Dec. 20. 2019. Photo by Jose Luis Magana for Moms Clean Air Force. — National Field Director Heather McTeer Toney (center) with (from left) Catherine Keener, Dolores Huerta, Roshi Joan Halifax, Jane Fonda, and Gloria Steinem during the Fire Drill Fridays protest, calling on Congress for action to address climate change, on Capitol Hill in Washington, December 20, 2019. Photo by Jose Luis Magana for Moms Clean Air Force.

November 2019

Moms Clean Air Force DC area members testified at an EPA hearing to ask that current standards for ethane crackers be updated to be more protective of our children, our families, and our communities.

September 2019

DC moms attended the Joint Congressional Hearing on “Voices Leading the Next Generation on the Global Climate Crisis” to support youth leaders stressing the urgency of acting on climate. Witnesses included Greta Thunberg, Jamie Margolin, Vic Barrett, and Benji Backer.

EcoMadres hosted a cafecito at local DC school, CentroNía, to talk with parents and students about the importance of acting on climate.

Moms Clean Air Force DC supported the DC Climate Strike with Greta Thunberg and other youth climate leaders from Fridays for Future DC and Youth Climate Strike DC on September 13, as strikers marched to the White House.

July 2019

Moms Clean Air Force DC went to DC City Hall to discuss the implementation of the Clean Energy DC Act.

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

March 2019

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

February 2019

Moms Clean Air Force DC area members testified at an EPA hearing in support of a rule that ensures newly built coal plants adhere to carbon pollution limits, a rule that Trump, Wheeler, and their coal industry friends are actively working to dismantle. Moms and kids also delivered “Climate Valentines” to EPA and members of Congress on Capitol Hill following the hearing. View photos from the hearing and Valentine delivery here.

January 2019

Moms Clean Air Force DC area members welcomed EPA employees back to work post-government shutdown.

Moms Clean Air Force DC area members 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

On December 18, the DC Council passed the strongest climate bill in the country, the Clean Energy DC Act! Moms were a critical part of this fight, visiting the office of DC Councilmember Mary Cheh just the day before. Additionally, Moms Clean Air Force’s Molly Rauch spoke at a press conference following the passage of the bill.

Moms Clean Air Force DC members attended the “Solving Our Climate Change Crisis” national town hall in Washington, DC.

November 2018

Moms Clean Air Force DC participated in a tree planting with EcoMadres at Ladybird Johnson Park in DC.

October 2018

Field organizer Elizabeth Brandt testified in support of the DC Clean Energy Act at DC City Hall.

Moms Clean Air Force DC area members participated in a climate rally with UMC in Frederick, Maryland.

Field organizer Elizabeth Brandt testified in support of the Clean Energy DC Omnibus Act of 2018.

Moms Clean Air Force DC participated in “Climate in the Pulpit” activities at a local church.

Moms Clean Air Force DC participated in a United Methodist Women DC/MD regional climate event in Fredrick, Maryland.

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

September 2018

Moms Clean Air Force DC members attended the “Put a Price On It” press conference at DC City Hall.

Field organizer Elizabeth Brandt tabled and spoke at the Chevy Chase Village Green Fair in Maryland.

August 2018

Moms Clean Air Force DC area members gathered near the Department of the Interior to bring awareness to the link between climate change and forest fires.

July 2018

Moms Clean Air Force DC participated in Zero Hour Youth Climate events.

Moms Clean Air Force DC attended the Censored Science conference.

Moms Clean Air Force hosted the fifth annual Play-In for Climate Action on Capitol Hill.

June 2018

Moms Clean Air Force DC attended a Clean Cars forum in Fairfax with the Sierra Club.

May 2018

DC area Moms Clean Air Force members attended a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing featuring testimony from EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt.

Field organizer Elizabeth Brandt attended the Symposium on Environmental Justice at the University of Maryland.

April 2018

DC area Moms Clean Air Force members attended a House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing featuring EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt.

Field organizer Elizabeth Brandt spoke at a rally at the EPA hosted by the American Federal of Government Employees, a union representing EPA employees.

Field organizer Elizabeth Brandt led workshops for 60 public high school students at a climate summit in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Moms Clean Air Force DC tabled at an Earth Day event at the Pentagon.

Moms Clean Air Force DC members participated in a Carbon Price lobby day.

March 2018

Moms Clean Air Force DC area members testified at a hearing on the proposed adoption of a cap and trade standard to limit carbon pollution from Virginia power plants.

Moms Clean Air Force DC members joined the Rally for Undocumented Youth.

February 2018

Moms Clean Air Force DC joined United Methodist Women in Annapolis to advocate for the Clean Energy Jobs Act.

Moms Clean Air Force DC co-sponsored and tabled at the Taking the Environment Back conference.

Moms Clean Air Force joined Chispa to travel to the Maryland legislature in Annapolis to deliver petitions from the Chispa Clean Buses for Healthy Ninos campaign.

January 2018

Moms Clean Air Force attended a Senate Environment and Public Works committee hearing featuring testimony from EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt.

Field consultant Elizabeth Brandt spoke at an English/Spanish Chispa “Healthy Homes Healthy Communities” event at Rosa Parks Elementary in Hyattsville, Maryland.

Moms Clean Air Force DC area members attended the DC Auto Show to call on automakers to stop the rollback of Clean Car Standards.

Moms Clean Air Force members testified at a hearing focused on America’s Clean Power Plan in Annapolis.

December 2017

Moms Clean Air Force DC tabled with Chispa at the Langley Park Christmas Bazaar.

Moms Clean Air Force DC area members attended a House Environment Subcommittee hearing featuring EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. Prior to the hearing, field organizer Elizabeth Brandt spoke at a rally and press conference nearby.

Moms Clean Air Force members testified at a hearing on glider trucks at EPA headquarters in Washington, DC.

Moms Clean Air Force DC dropped holiday cards to members of Congress on Capitol Hill.

November 2017

Moms Clean Air Force co-sponsored a town hall focused on asthma in Langley Park, Maryland.

October 2017

Moms Clean Air Force DC tabled at an advocacy event at the Georgetown Patagonia store.

Moms Clean Air Force DC attend a “We Can’t Wait” carbon pricing rally.

September 2017

Field organizer Elizabeth Brandt spoke at a 350 Loudoun gathering in Leesburg.

Moms Clean Air Force hosted a free concert with Latin GRAMMY Award winning children’s musician Mister G at All Souls Church.

Moms Clean Air Force DC hosted a Play-In for Our Common Home in Northern Virginia.

Moms Clean Air Force DC cosponsored the Naturally Latinos Conference with the Audubon Naturalist Society.

Moms Clean Air Force DC participated in the National Cathedral Interfaith walk.

Moms Clean Air Force DC members testified at an EPA hearing on Car Emission Standards.

August 2017

Moms Clean Air Force DC tabled at the Reston Farmers Market.

Moms Clean Air Force DC tabled at the Baltimore Vegan Soul Festival.

Moms Clean Air Force DC attended a screening of the Inconvenient Truth Sequel in Northern Virginia.

July 2017:

Moms Clean Air Force members 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 DC.

Moms Clean Air Force hosted the fourth annual Play-In for Climate Action in Washington, DC, with over 500 families in attendance.

Moms Clean Air Force DC tabled at Mom’s Organic Market.

June 2017

Moms Clean Air Force DC area members attended a Senate Appropriations hearing on the EPA budget, featuring testimony from EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt.

Moms Clean Air Force DC area members attended a House of Representatives hearing on the EPA budget, featuring testimony from EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt.

Field organizer Elizabeth Brandt spoke at a rally on Environmental Justice hosted by the Hip-Hop Caucus to protest cuts to the EPA budget.

Moms Clean Air Force attended an emergency rally at the White House in response to President Trump’s decision to exit the Paris Climate Agreement.

May 2017

Moms Clean Air Force tabled at Green Festival Expo.

Moms Clean Air Force tabled at Milkshake’s Concert for Mom at the Creative Alliance in Baltimore.

Moms Clean Air Force hosted an art installation and press conference in honor of World Asthma Day at Columbus Circle.

Moms Clean Air Force DC attended the Chesapeake Climate Action Network’s Carbon Pricing Campaign kickoff.

April 2017

Moms Clean Air Force marched in the Peoples Climate March.

Moms Clean Air Force participated in the March for Science.

March 2017

Moms Clean Air Force DC area members attended an emergency rally outside the White House in response to President Trump signing an executive order that attacks clean air safeguards.

Moms Clean Air Force DC hosted a house party in Takoma Park, Maryland.

Moms Clean Air Force tabled at a screening of TIDEWATER at the Environmental Film Festival in Washington, DC.

Moms Clean Air Force Public Health Policy Director Molly Rauch sat on a panel at the launch of the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health in Washington, DC.

September 2016

Field organizer Julie Hantman attended “On the Front Lines: The Impact of Climate Change on Latino Communities,” sponsored by Bloomberg Government, EDF, and the Hispanic Federation.

Moms Clean Air Force DC attended an awards ceremony hosted by the Chesapeake Climate Action Network celebrating the commitment of Maryland and DC policymakers.

Moms Clean Air Force DC joined the DC Table, which will handle local planning for the People’s Climate Mobilization’s large event tentatively scheduled for April 29, 2017.

Moms Clean Air Force DC attended a Resources for the Future (RFF) event on carbon pricing.

July 2016

On July 13 Moms Clean Air Force hosted the third annual Play-In for Climate Action at Upper Senate Park in Washington, DC, with over 700 kids and parents in attendance from 50 states.

June 2016

Moms Clean Air Force DC 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 Julie Hantman attended the USCAN Annual Conference in Miami.

May 2016

Field organizer Julie Hantman delivered testimony at the DC Council on a package of three clean energy/climate bills.

Field organizer Julie Hantman attended a Brookings panel on Zika and climate change.

April 2016

Field organizer Julie Hantman provided oral comments to the Office of Management and Budget in support of EPA’s New Source Performance Standards for methane.

Moms Clean Air Force tabled at the National Hispanic Medical Association annual conference.

Moms Clean Air Force DC attended a Democracy Awakening rally, to stand up against big money interests in politics, including climate politics.

March 2016

For the second year, Moms Clean Air Force DC was a media partner to the annual Environmental Film Festival in Our Nation’s Capital. The festival theme for 2016 was “Parks” in honor of the National Park Service’s 100th birthday.

February 2016

Moms Clean Air Force co-hosted a roundtable discussion on the Prescription for Climate Health. Additional hosts included Environment America, Alliance for Nurses for Healthy Environments, Physicians for Social Responsibility, and Georgetown University Fossil Free.

Moms Clean Air Force members from the DC area and across the country delivered valentines to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, urging EPA to take action on methane pollution from existing sources. Read more about the day HERE.

December 2015

Moms Clean Air Force Virginia and DC members gathered at EPA headquarters to deliver thousands of comment cards to EPA thanking them for proposing standards to limit methane emissions from new oil and gas operations. (Our comments also urged them to quickly propose standards pegged to existing operations.)

November 2015

Field organizer Julie Hantman gave a presentation to the DC Asthma Coalition on children’s health and climate change.

Moms Clean Air Force tabled during the Grand Opening of MOM’s Organic Market store at 1901 N. Veitch Street, Arlington, VA. The market generously donated 5% of all weekend sales to Moms Clean Air Force.

October 2015:

Moms Clean Air Force DC, along with a dozen other organizations, participated in planning the DC People’s Climate Movement’s Day of Action. We fielded a contingent of 16 moms, dads, and kids. A total of 400 people participated in this rush hour protest in downtown DC. The action coincided with similar actions in over 100 cities nationwide. The DC event involved protest of the fossil fuel industry’s efforts to obstruct climate action. This was followed by a march and a rally to celebrate local climate activism.

September 2015

Moms Clean Air Force DC fielded a large and visible contingent of 20 moms and kids to attend the Rally for Climate Justice. The rally attracted thousands of people to mark Pope Francis’s climate leadership on the day of his address to the U.S. Congress. Our Moms contingent enjoyed media interest from the Washington Post and WJLA/ABC-TV and also from videographers at the Natural Resources Defense Council.

July 2014 and July 2015

Moms Clean Air Force DC helped drive participation at both the 2014 and 2015 Play-In for Climate Action events on Capitol Hill and supported implementation of this national event. Over 700 people turned out for both Play-Ins combined, which urged Congress to support the Clean Power Plan to cut carbon pollution by power plants.