California

Moms are working in California 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 California, and let us know about your priorities.

124,328

members in California

How we’re making a difference in California

Moms Clean Air Force amplifies the power of women in fighting for climate safety at international Global Climate Action Summit.

The Global Climate Action Summit in San Francisco is a conference convening leaders from around the world who are aiming to “take [climate] ambition to the next level.” At the 2018 summit, Moms Clean Air Force highlighted the critical role of women in fighting for climate action. Dozens attended our panel discussion, “Climate Action Is Female,” to learn about the ways that women and mothers are leading the climate movement.

“Climate Action is Female” panel discussion, hosted by Moms Clean Air Force, at the 2018 Global Climate Action Summit, San Francisco, CA.

LA Times supplement features Los Angeles moms’ campaign against air pollution.

In March 2018, the LA Times published an article titled “Moms Defend Their Right to Clean Air,” which profiled California Supermoms Maria Guzman and Angeles Zaragoza. The article appeared in the Times “Media Planet” supplement.

Moms Maria Guzman and Angeles Zaragoza on front page of the LA Times supplement “Media Planet,” March 2018.

Moms & Mayors

Our Moms & Mayors program connects moms with their mayors and local leaders to improve children’s health and build resilient communities. We educate, empower and mobilize Moms in their hometowns to work with their local elected leaders to implement clean air strategies, reduce toxins in the community, and take action on climate change. We also train Moms to join boards and commissions and urge them to run for office.

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.

The program provides comadres with reliable information and solutions through online resources, articles, action tools, and on-the-ground events. Our inclusive community empowers and lifts up the voices of comadres for the benefit of our families and communities. EcoMadres has a vibrant network of state-based field teams and allies across the country.

We host cafecitos around the country that provide opportunities for the communities to discuss air quality and climate change.

Community Health Equity

Moms Clean Air Force is committed to exposing environmental injustices in the African-American community by taking a stand against environmental discrimination, holding legislators accountable for lack of resources, educating communities on their rights and their issues, standing with impacted communities, and fighting for clean air and climate solutions to promote healthy children and healthy communities.

Through our environmental health justice program Community Health Equity, our goal is to advocate, educate, and amplify through partnering with impacted communities and environmental justice organizations on events and resource development. We hold Table Talks around the country, casual gatherings that organize, motivate, and activate volunteers; partner with churches to use our “Breath of Life” Bible Study; and provide information on environmental health issues in African-American communities.

We are leading on climate.

In September 2018, the state of California committed to moving to not only zero-emissions electricity by 2045, but full carbon neutrality. In 2022, California followed up on its climate commitments by enacting a “world-leading” plan to cut tailpipe pollution by transitioning to 100% zero-emissions vehicles by 2035. As the fifth largest economy in the world, the impact of these actions cannot be overstated.

Our children breathe polluted air.

California has a major air pollution problem. It suffers the worst air pollution of any state in the nation.

In the 2023 State of the Air report from the American Lung Association, 10 of the 25 most polluted cities for ozone pollution were in California—with Los Angeles ranking as dirtiest.

But ozone is not the only air pollution problem Californians face. Eight of the top 10 most polluted cities for year-round particle pollution and 10 out of 25 for short-term particle pollution were also in California.

While California is taking significant action to curb the emissions that lead to unsafe air, California wildfires are making this increasingly difficult. In 2020, the rest of the world experienced improved air quality as people limited driving because of the COVID-19 pandemic. But in California, air quality actually worsened, thanks to the worst wildfire season in the state’s history. The 2020 fires burned 4.3 million acres and emitted 112 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, equivalent to what 24.2 million passenger cars would emit over the course of a year. The frequency of wildfires in California is increasing every year, with nearly 200 more fires reported in 2021 compared to 2020.

Past Events

June 2023

On June 13–15, two Moms Clean Air Force California volunteers joined more than 70 Moms Clean Air Force staff and members in 22 states and Washington, DC, to testify at EPA’s virtual public hearing on proposed federal standards for carbon pollution from power plants.

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. Supermom Nancy Simpson offered testimony.

August 2020

On August 13, Congressman Raul Ruiz (CA-36) joined Moms Las Vegas organizer Cinthia Moore, Arizona State Representative Raquel Terán, and Mi Familia Vota’s Salvador Hernandez for an EcoMadres panel discussion on overlapping concerns in the Latino community around immigration, health, and our environment. With the full restoration of DACA in limbo along with 100 environmental rollbacks that weaken our clean air protections and public health made more fragile by COVID-19, the stakes could not be higher. The panel was moderated by Emilia Pablo, host of “Desde Nevada.” Watch the video here.

September 2018

Moms Clean Air Force co-hosted an affiliate event at the Global Climate Action Summit in San Francisco, “Climate Action is Female: How Women are Supercharging Local Leadership for Climate Solutions”.

July 2018

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

February 2018

Moms Clean Air Force California members testified in opposition to the repeal of America’s Clean Power Plan in San Francisco.

March 2017

Moms Clean Air Force super mom, Jennifer Moeller presented at a California Air Resources Board meeting on oil/natural gas methane emissions.

January 2017

Moms Clean Air Force California testified at an Aliso Canyon hearing.

Moms Clean Air Force California attended Green CA Summit.

Moms Clean Air Force California participated in the San Francisco Women’s March, part of a network of marches held across the country.

October 2016

Field organizer, Jennifer Moeller attended the “One Year Gas Blowout Aliso Canyon Anniversary” remembering the largest natural gas blowout in history. The event called on California Governor Brown to keep the Aliso Canyon natural gas storage facility closed and decommission the facility.

September 2016

Moms Clean Air Force California attended the Fossil Free L.A Campaign Kickoff Press Conference in Los Angeles City Hall on September 16th to support Sierra Club in their efforts to get Los Angeles to 100% clean energy by 2030.

Los Angeles field organizer, Jennifer Moeller spoke at the National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA) West Region Policy Forum at University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA). Her topic was “Health Impacts Associated with Climate Change,” hosted by NHMA’s CEO/President Dr. Rios. Jennifer hosted a Moms Clean Air Force table providing resources on asthma and how climate change and air pollution impacts the Latino community to the 40 healthcare professionals in attendance.

Moms Clean Air Force California hosted a Play-In for Climate Action at Holleigh Bernson Memorial Park (Porter Ranch).

August 2016

Moms Clean Air Force California attended Green Advocacy Day in Sacramento.

July 2016

Moms Clean Air Force California attended a California Air Resources Board Meeting on the proposed methane rule.

Deputy field manager, Loni Russell and field organizer, Jennifer Moeller mobilized members to testify at the California Air Resources Board in support of strong state methane pollution rules.

Moms Clean Air Force California signed on to a SB 1441 letter, addressed to the Chair of Assembly Appropriations to express strong support for SB 1441–a bill to add needed accountability to reduce methane leaks that occur before natural gas is delivered to California consumers.

June 2016

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

On June 30, the City of Oakland voted to ban the export of coal from the Port of Oakland. Leading the charge for parents was Moms Clean Air Force Supermom, Carolyn Norr.

April 2016

House party with Administrator McCarthy in San Francisco, CA

On April 27, Moms Clean Air Force hosted EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy for a house party with 60 moms and women in San Francisco, CA. A diverse group of moms, kids, health professionals and women community leaders were in attendance. Moms Clean Air Force partnered with Green For All and held a 40 minute Q&A with the Administrator on EPA’s Safer Choice Label, methane pollution, America’s Clean Power Plan, environmental and social justice, and more. The Administrator stressed the significant role that moms and parents play in shaping the national conversation and the importance of sharing personal stories and the impacts of climate change and air pollution on our families.

March 2016

California Supermom Carolyn Norr met with Oakland City Council on the proposed Oakland coal terminal.

Moms Clean Air Force California members testified at the Lakewood, CO BLM Hearing on new methane emissions standards.

February 2016

Moms Clean Air Force California held a Los Angeles press conference on the Aliso Canyon disaster.

May 2015

Mama Summit 2015 | California families gathered at the state capitol on Sacramento to call on elected officials to take climate action. The California Mama Summit was hosted by Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, a Southern Californian mother of two and member of the Latino Caucus. More than 50 participants met with nearly 30 legislators to talk about why they care about climate change.