New York

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

61,700

members in New York

How we’re making a difference in New York

New York moms take action.

Here’s what we’ve been working on in the Empire State!

New York Moms and Clean Air Kids gather outside the office of Senator Chuck Schumer in Washington, DC, in July 2017, before meeting with him to discuss the importance protecting children from climate change and air pollution.

Moms Clean Air Force turned out in force for the People’s Climate March in New York, September 2014.

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 Rx

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 Rx, 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 a leader in addressing climate change.

In 2019, the New York legislature passed the path-breaking Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. This legislation commits New York to achieving 70% renewable energy by 2030, 100% zero-emission electricity by 2040, and an 85% reduction of all climate pollution (from 1990 levels) no later than 2050. These are some of the most robust targets for any major economy in the world.

The New York Climate Act is spurring progress toward clean energy, energy efficiency, and zero-emissions transportation in the Empire State. Governor Kathy Hochul continues to convene the Climate Action Council and the Climate Justice Working Group to ensure the state meets its goals and provides an equitable transition for the workforce and all communities to a clean energy economy.

In June 2021, US attorney Jacquelyn Kasulis launched an Environmental Justice Team to fight environmental hazards facing overburdened communities. The team enhances New York’s commitment to environmental justice and is pioneering state-led efforts to enforce federal environmental laws and hold polluters accountable. In March 2022, the Environmental Justice Team had its first major victory after it convicted a major petroleum company for lack of compliance with EPA regulations, and more EJ victories are yet to come.

Our children breathe polluted air.

Smog, or ground-level ozone, is a big issue in New York.

Four out 5 of New York City’s boroughs—Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island—all received a D or F grade from the American Lung Association for ground-level ozone pollution in the 2022 State of the Air report. (Brooklyn does not have air monitoring systems, so there is no way to accurately assess the health risks polluted air can pose in the community.)

But New York’s smog issues extend beyond the state’s largest city. While only 24 counties throughout the state monitor ozone pollution, seven out of the 24 received D or F grades for their ozone pollution. Ozone irritates the lungs, can trigger asthma attacks, interferes with normal lung development, and increases the risk of respiratory infections.

Our lakes are at risk.

New York borders the world’s largest group of freshwater lakes on earth, the Great Lakes. The source of drinking water to more than 40 million people, the Great Lakes are plagued by pollution, rising water temperatures, and erratic water levels, as extreme weather affects evaporation and precipitation patterns. Historically high water levels over the last few years have caused frequent flooding and extreme erosion, threatening vital infrastructure along the lakes’ shores.

Past Events

February 2022

On February 24, Moms Clean Air Force New York 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 Co-Founder and Director Dominique Browning offered testimony. Read Dominique’s testimony HERE.

June 2021

New York 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. Moms Clean Air Force intern Julie Silverman offered testimony. Read Julie’s testimony.

August 2019

Moms Clean Air Force joined the welcome group for Greta Thunberg as she arrived to New York for the September 20 Climate Strike.

July 2019

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

July 2018

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

January 2018

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

July 2017

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

May 2016

Wendy Cole, Director of Maple Street School, conducted a Read-In of Every Breath We Take at Maple Street School, 21 Lincoln Rd, Brooklyn, NY.

Moms Clean Air Force New York attended Dear Tomorrow and 100% Campaign’s ‘Toast To The Mamas’ Event in Brooklyn, NY. The event kicked-off a Mother’s and Father’s Day campaign launched by DearTomorrow in partnership with the Solutions Project, Climate Parents and Moms Clean Air Force.

April 2016

Moms Clean Air Force New York participated in two special screenings of Love Thy Nature at Cinema Village. After the screening, attendees enjoyed a Q&A with the film director Sylvie Rokab and a special presentation of “Every Breath We Take”.