Virginia - Moms Clean Air Force

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

53,137

members in Virginia

How we’re making a difference in Virginia

Virginia 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 Senior Legislative and Regulatory Policy Manager Melody Reis, Manager for Member Cultivation Julie Kimmel, Senior Policy Analyst Cynthia Palmer, EcoMadres Program Manager Carolina Peña, and Field Manager Liz Hurtado offered testimony. In her comments, Melody called out how important strong standards are to parents:

“Parents, teachers, and other community members rely on EPA to follow the science in determining what is safe. Most of us do not have the time or expertise to test our own air quality. We rely on these standards to help us decide if it’s safe to let kids have outdoor recess, play outdoor sports, run, or ride their bikes outside. If these standards aren’t protective, we could be exposing growing children—whose little lungs make them more vulnerable—to unsafe levels of air pollution.”

Virginia 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 Senior Manager for Legislative and Regulatory Policy Melody Reis, Manager for Member Cultivation Julie Kimmel, Field Manager Liz Hurtado, and Supermom Meredith Haines offered testimony.

Virginia 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 Program Manager Carolina Peña and two Virginia Supermoms offered testimony. In her comments, she stressed how urgent strong standards are for environmental justice communities:

“This is a public health necessity. That is why my colleagues and I are strongly advocating for a rapid transition to every vehicle on every road, to run on clean, zero-pollution electricity. Please strengthen the final standards, to better protect children, people with asthma, older adults, and underserved communities that are overburdened with air pollution. We must do this in a way that prioritizes environmental justice so that no community is left behind.”

Read Carolina’s full testimony HERE.

Virginia moms host EPA Administrator Michael Regan for an electric school bus tour in Vienna.

On March 14, 2022, Moms Clean Air Force and Fairfax County Mothers Out Front hosted EPA Administrator Michael Regan at Flint Hill Elementary School in Vienna, Virginia, for a meeting with students, moms, School Board members, and advocates. At the event, we discussed the benefits of replacing dirty diesel school buses with electric school buses. Administrator Regan also took a quiet, smooth, zero-tailpipe-pollution ride on an electric school bus currently servicing Fairfax County Public Schools, together with moms, students, school administrators, and others.

Read more about Administrator Regan’s visit HERE.

Virginia 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 Virginia 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 Project Managers Julie Kimmel and Carolina Peña, plus Supermom Dr. Joan Schiller, offered testimony. In her comments, Carolina talked about why she joined Moms Clean Air Force:

“Recently, I decided to join Moms Clean Air Force to lead their EcoMadres program to raise the voice of US Latino parents and communities for policies that improve our livelihoods and well-being, especially since Latinos are more vulnerable to the effects of climate change because of where we live and work.

“In addition, emissions of mercury and other air toxics disproportionately harm Native American Tribes where fishing is a vital part of Tribal culture and where Tribal members traditionally consume fish at higher rates than the general population.”

Read Carolina’s full testimony HERE and Julie’s HERE.

Virginia 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 Virginia 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 Project Manager Julie Kimmel offered testimony.

“Families across the country are losing so much valuable school time to extreme storms, extreme heat, and wildfires—thanks to climate change. And this on top of the education crisis we’re facing because of COVID. As a parent worried about the impacts of climate change on our children’s education, health, and future, I want EPA to finalize the strongest possible national greenhouse gas emissions standards for passenger cars and light trucks.”

Let’s Get Rolling Electric School Bus Tour arrives in Virginia Beach and Richmond.

In the summer of 2021, Moms Clean Air Force joined the Virginia League of Conservation Voters to host demonstrations of an electric school bus in Virginia Beach and Richmond. The events were part of a nationwide push to upgrade old school buses with better technology to reduce children’s exposure to harmful diesel exhaust and climate pollution.

Transportation is the largest source of global warming pollution in our country, which makes electrification of buses, cars, and trucks critical to solving the climate crisis. Electrifying our nation’s school bus fleet will also clean up the air for children, student athletes, and drivers inside school buses, where harmful fumes may be concentrated higher than outside the bus.

School bus manufacturer Blue Bird provided an electric bus for the Virginia demonstrations and gave tours of the inside and outside of the bus. In Virginia Beach, Delegate Nancy Guy, State Senator Jennifer McClellan, VALCV’s Michael Town, Blue Bird’s Albert Burleigh, and Mothers Out Front’s Kim Sudderth joined Moms Clean Air Force project manager Julie Kimmel for the tour. Watch the replay.

In Richmond, Governor Ralph Northam, Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger (VA-7), State Senator Jennifer McClellan, VALCV’s Michael Town, Blue Bird’s Andy Moore, and the Virginia Clinicians for Climate Action’s Dr. Jerome Paulson joined Julie. Governor Northam took the opportunity to announce grants for 14 counties across the state to replace dirty diesel school buses with electric buses.

Governor Ralph Northam and Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger with speakers at the Let’s Get Rolling Electric School Bus Event in Richmond, August 2021. Photo courtesy of Climate Action Campaign.

Project Manager Julie Kimmel welcomes everyone to the Let’s Get Rolling Electric School Bus Event in Virginia Beach, July 2021. Photo courtesy of Climate Action Campaign.

Project Manager Julie Kimmel with her fellow speakers at the Let’s Get Rolling Electric School Bus Event in Virginia Beach, July 2021. Photo courtesy of Climate Action Campaign.

Virginia 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 Virginia 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 Project Manager Julie Kimmel and Supermom Tiziana Bottino offered testimony. Julie spoke about transportation pollution in her hometown of Reston:

We are lucky in Reston to have a robust network of walking paths that can take us from our homes to parks to pools to shopping centers. But many of these paths parallel heavily trafficked roads. And breathing in car exhaust is not just gross; it’s dangerous. I have adult runner friends with asthma who plan routes to avoid car fumes. I have friends with children who have been hospitalized for severe asthma attacks that followed time spent playing outdoors, in the heat, breathing in vehicle pollution.

Read Julie’s full testimony HERE.

Read Tiziana’s full testimony HERE.

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

In November 2019, Congressman Donald McEachin (VA-04), who represents the area of Virginia between Richmond and Hampton Roads, 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, Virginia moms met with members of Congress across the state to urge them to join as co-sponsors. Moms Clean Air Force Virginia is beyond grateful for Representative McEachin’s leadership on this issue and thanks Representatives Don Beyer (VA-08), Gerry Connolly (VA-11), Elaine Luria (VA-02), Bobby Scott (VA-03), Abigail Spanberger (VA-07), and Jennifer Wexton (VA-10) for being among the over 150 original co-sponsors of the bill.

Click here to learn more about the bill.

Representative Donald McEachin (VA-04) with his constituents from Trinity Family Life Center at the 2019 Play-In for Climate Action in Washington, DC, July 2019.

We work for change at the local and federal level.

Along with fighting for climate action at the local and state level, our Virginia moms are a critical force in our DC federal work. With many Virginians just a few miles from the nation’s capital, our Virginia Supermoms 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 & 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 taking action on climate.

In recent years, Virginia has taken several necessary steps to combat climate change. The 2020 Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA) codified former Governor Ralph Northam’s pledge to transition Virginia’s electric grid to 100% clean energy by 2050 into law. The act established a Clean Energy Standard to reduce energy waste through efficiency, increase solar- and wind-powered energy in the state, and expand rooftop solar power. The Virginia Clean Economy Act is the most ambitious clean energy policy in our state’s history.

In 2021, Virginia furthered its commitment to addressing the climate crisis by linking to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a multi-state effort designed to cut carbon pollution from fossil-fuel-fired power plants across participating states in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.

Virginia’s Advanced Clean Cars Program was signed into law by Governor Northam in March 2021 and adopted by the Air Pollution Control Board later that year. These regulations allow Virginia to establish stricter tailpipe pollution standards than the federal government and create a zero-emissions vehicle program aimed at increasing the sales of electric vehicles in the commonwealth. The program could reduce carbon pollution in Virginia by an estimated 48 million metric tons through 2040, while also reducing other air pollutants—a huge win in the efforts to draw down climate pollution and protect communities’ health.

Together, the VCEA, RGGI, and the Advanced Clean Cars Program have made Virginia a leader on climate. Moms Clean Air Force is committed to continue working for climate action in the commonwealth.

Our communities and homes are threatened by sea-level rise.

Water levels in the Hampton Roads area, which is more than 30% African-American, are rising at the fastest rate of anywhere on the East Coast. Without drastic action, water levels in Hampton Roads may rise another 5 feet by 2100. Hampton Roads is also home to Norfolk Naval Base, the largest naval base in the United States. Norfolk is incredibly vulnerable to sea-level rise. From 2008 to 2018, the base suffered nine major floods, damaging critical equipment.

Our children breathe polluted air.

Smog, or ground-level ozone, is a problem in Fairfax, the state’s most populated county. In 2023, the American Lung Association gave Fairfax a C grade for ozone air quality based on the number of code orange ozone days. Ozone irritates the lungs, can trigger asthma attacks, interferes with normal lung development, and increases the risk of respiratory infections.

These days are particularly dangerous for the over 17,000 children with asthma in Fairfax County.

Past Events

October 2023

On October 19, EcoMadres’ Isabel González Whitaker, Carolina Peña, and Mercedes McKinley were the speakers for the October Coffee and Climate Conversation, a monthly convening of Moms Clean Air Force volunteers across the country. This month, we focused on Hispanic Heritage Month and the Latino community’s contributions to the environmental and climate movements.

September 2023

On September 27, National Field Manager Liz Hurtado and Moms Clean Air Force Florida organizer Emily Pickett were guest speakers at GenCLEO’s Hispanic Heritage Month meeting highlighting how Hispanic communities in Florida and nationally are impacted by climate change.

August 2023

On August 15, Moms Clean Air Force joined PennEnvironment and our partners in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC, for a webinar about EPA’s Clean School Bus Program. Our panel of national experts shared information about the innovative technology behind electric school buses, the health benefits of this technology—and ways local school districts can tap into Clean School Bus Program funds. Watch the replay.

June 2023

On June 13–15, Virginia Moms, including Stephanie Reese, Melody Reis, Liz Hurtado, Julie Kimmel, and Carolina Peña, 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. Read Stephanie’s testimony here, Melody’s here, Liz’s here, Julie’s here, and Carolina’s here.

May 2023

On May 23, in honor of National Mental Health Awareness Month, Moms Clean Air Force invited children, parents, and grandparents to ask a panel of climate and health experts their questions about climate change and mental health. The event was aired in 2 parts and is part our national series of conversations about Clean Air, Climate, Health Equity—and Inequity. The conversation was moderated by Almeta Cooper, Moms’ National Manager for Health Equity, and panelists included Dr. Venise Curry, stress management expert Lorena Saavedra Smith, and Moms’ National Field Manager Liz Hurtado. Watch Part 1 here. Watch Part 2 here.

On May 16, Moms Clean Air Force Senior Analyst for Petrochemicals Cynthia Palmer gave testimony at EPA’s virtual public hearing on proposed federal standards for pollution from chemical manufacturing facilities. Read Cynthia’s testimony here.

On May 14, EcoMadres and the Climate Power Education Fund hosted a virtual cafecito about motherhood and climate activism. Watch the replay.

On May 9, Moms Clean Air Force Senior Legislative Policy Manager Melody Reis, National Field Manager Liz Hurtado, and Manager for Member Cultivation Julie Kimmel 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 Melody’s testimony here, Liz’s here, and Julie’s here.

On May 9, Virginia Moms, including Melody Reis, Liz Hurtado, Julie Kimmel, and Carolina Peña, 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 Melody’s testimony here, Liz’s here, Julie’s here, and Carolina’s here.

On May 2–3, Virginia Moms, including Stephanie Reese, Melody Reis, Liz Hurtado, Julie Kimmel, and Carolina Peña, 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 Stephanie’s testimony here, Melody’s here, Liz’s here, Julie’s here, and Carolina’s here.

April 2023

On April 20, Moms Clean Air Force was invited to Vice President Kamala Harris’ residence to celebrate Earth Day. They were joined by environmental advocates and Indigenous leaders from across the country.

Moms attend Earth Day celebration at the Vice President’s residence. Left to right: Stephanie Reese (VA), Patrice Tomcik (PA), Laurie Anderson (CO), Mercedes McKinley (NV), Hazel Chandler (AZ), Brooke Petry (PA), and Liz Hurtado (VA)

On April 12, Moms Clean Air Force joined EPA Administrator Michael Regan as he announced the agency’s proposed tailpipe pollution standards for light- and heavy-duty vehicles in Washington, DC. National Field Manager Liz Hurtado and her nine-year-old step-daughter Leena spoke at the event. Watch the replay.

March 2023

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

February 2023

In February, Moms Clean Air Force Senior Legislative and Regulatory Policy Manager Melody Reis, Manager for Member Cultivation Julie Kimmel, Senior Policy Analyst Cynthia Palmer, EcoMadres Program Manager Carolina Peña, and Field Manager Liz Hurtado 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 Melody’s testimony here, Julie’s here, Cynthia’s here, Carolina’s here, and Liz’s 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 Senior Manager for Legislative and Regulatory Policy Melody Reis, Manager for Member Cultivation Julie Kimmel, Field Manager Liz Hurtado, and Supermom Meredith Haines offered testimony.

December 2022

On December 13, Moms Clean Air Force DC Events Coordinator Samantha Schmitz joined the Virginia League of Conservation Voters and Loudoun Climate Project for a webinar about the health impacts of air pollution, air quality monitoring, and the work that Loudoun Climate Project has been doing to create an accessible network of data and resources for residents.

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.

The EcoMadres team attended Poderosas Legislative Summit 2022 in Washington, DC, on October 21. EcoMadres Project Manager Carolina Peña was a panelist in the roundtable discussion “Latinas for Environmental Justice.”

June 2022

On June 29 and 30, Moms Clean Air Force joined our partner organizations to testify before EPA in favor of several waivers allowing California to set stronger tailpipe pollution standards for heavy-duty vehicles than federally required. Read Senior Legislative Manager Melody Reis’s full testimony HERE.

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.

April 2022

On April 26, Moms Clean Air Force and EcoMadres joined EDF and Defend Our Future to celebrate “A Vital Earth for Everyone” with WaWa Gatheru, founder of Black Girl Environmentalist. The event highlighted and celebrated the progress we’ve seen happen over the last year against climate change and the opportunity we have in this “Climate Moment” for our leaders to get serious about climate change and the transition to clean energy. Panelists included Almeta Cooper (National Field Manager, Moms Clean Air Force), Carolina Peña (Project Manager, EcoMadres), Jay Knott (Executive VP and Chief Administrative Officer, EDF), and Kyli Wagner (Senior Manager, Defend Our Future). The program also included music from Lucia Valentine (West Virginia coordinator, Moms Clean Air Force) and poetry by Emely Rodriguez. Watch the replay.

On April 20, EcoMadres Project Manager Carolina Peña gave testimony at EPA’s virtual public hearing for the Cross State Air Pollution Rule, which will help clean up ozone pollution that knows no borders. Read her testimony HERE.

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 Program Manager Carolina Peña and two Virginia Supermoms offered testimony. Read Carolina’s full testimony HERE.

March 2022

On March 14, Moms Clean Air Force and Fairfax County Mothers Out Front hosted EPA Administrator Michael Regan at Flint Hill Elementary School in Vienna, Virginia, for a conversation about the benefits of replacing dirty diesel school buses with electric school buses. At the event, Regan spoke with the school community about the benefits that will be achieved through the billions of dollars of electric school bus funding contained in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

February 2022

On February 28, moms and kids from DC, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia joined more than 200 advocates outside the Supreme Court on February 28 to defend the Clean Air Act, as the US Supreme Court convened to hear oral arguments in the landmark case, West Virginia v. EPA. Lucia Valentine, Moms Clean Air Force’s West Virginia coordinator, and her dad, Dominic, opened the rally with a few folk tunes. DC EcoMadre Daniella Ochoa and her son Martin shared their support for strong EPA action on climate and urged the Supreme Court to protect the Clean Air Act. They were joined by students, doctors, and US Congresswoman Kathy Castor, chair of the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis.

On February 24, Moms Clean Air Force Virginia 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 Project Managers Julie Kimmel and Carolina Peña, plus Supermom Dr. Joan Schiller, offered testimony. Read Julie’s testimony HERE and Carolina’s HERE.

On February 10, Moms Clean Air Force staff from DC, Maryland, and Virginia joined the Climate Action Campaign for a bike caravan around the Senate office buildings in DC to cheer on our climate champions and urge the Senate to pass the climate investments in the Build Back Better Act.

October 2021

On October 27, moms and kids from DC, Maryland, and Virginia 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!

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.

August 2021

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

On August 19, Moms Clean Air Force joined Governor Ralph Northam, Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger (VA-7), and the Virginia League of Conservation Voters to host a demonstration of an electric school bus on Capitol Square in Richmond. The event was part of Moms’ nationwide Let’s Get Rolling Tour, calling for federal funding to help localities upgrade old school buses with better technology to reduce children’s exposure to harmful diesel exhaust and climate pollution.

July 2021:

On July 22, Moms Clean Air Force joined the Virginia League of Conservation Voters and Mothers Out Front to host a demonstration of an electric school bus at Croc’s 19th Street Bistro in Virginia Beach. The event was part of Moms’ nationwide Let’s Get Rolling Tour, calling for federal funding to help localities upgrade old school buses with better technology to reduce children’s exposure to harmful diesel exhaust and climate pollution. Watch the replay.

June 2021

On June 2, 2021, Project Manager Julie Kimmel and Supermom Tiziana Bottino 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 Julie’s testimony.

December 2020

In December, members of Moms Clean Air Force Virginia met with their members of Congress to encourage bold climate action in 2021. Virginia moms had meetings with Sen. Mark Warner and Sen. Tim Kaine.

December 2019

Members of Moms Clean Air Force Virginia attended the December 6 U.S. Climate Strike in Fairfax, Virginia.

September 2019

Moms Clean Air Force Virginia members attended the September 20 Global Youth Climate Strike in Washington, DC.

July 2019

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

September 2018

Moms Clean Air Force Virginia participated in the Donut Run for the Environment in Manassas. Field organizer Elizabeth Brandt was one of the featured speakers.

August 2018

Moms Clean Air Force Virginia members testified at a public listening session for the Virginia Energy Plan.

July 2018

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

March 2018

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

January 2018

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

September 2017

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

Moms Clean Air Force DC hosted a Play-In for Climate Action in Sterling, Virginia.

August 2017

Moms Clean Air Force Virginia tabled at LOCKN’ Festival.

July 2017

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

June 2017

Members of Moms Clean Air Force Virginia attended a viewing of the documentary Tidewater, on sea level rise in Hampton Roads and the implications for both national security and community resilience, hosted by Senator Tim Kaine.

May 2017

Moms Clean Air Force presented at the Virginia premiere of Tidewater at the Old Dominion University theater.

April 2017

Moms Clean Air Force Virginia attended the March for Science in Norfolk.

Moms Clean Air Force Virginia attended a voter registration event hosted by the Southeast CARE Coalition.

Moms Clean Air Force Virginia attended a Blue Planet Forum: “Planning for Climate Change in the Chesapeake Bay.”

Moms Clean Air Force Virginia attended Emerging Talks: Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! There’s Sea Level Rise? by WHRO Public Media.

March 2017

Moms Clean Air Force Virginia attended a town hall and roundtable discussion with gubernatorial primary candidate Tom Perriello.

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

Moms Clean Air Force Virginia attended “Coffee with a Congressman” with Congressman McEachin.

February 2017

Moms Clean Air Force attended Governor’s EO57 Hearing and Press Conference.

Moms Clean Air Force Virginia speaks at a press conference about the importance of cutting carbon dioxide emissions from power plants in Richmond, Virginia, February 2017.

Moms Clean Air Force Virginia attended the Environmental Justice Empowerment Forum in Newport News with Southeast CARE Coalition and Rev. Leo Woodbury.

Moms Clean Air Force attended a Hampton Roads Sea Level Rise/Flooding Adaptation Forum sponsored by Old Dominion University and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science.

Moms Clean Air Force Virginia hosted Mama Summit 2017: Honoring President’s Day with a Day of Civic Duty at the Virginia General Assembly Building.

Moms Clean Air Force Virginia testified at an Atlantic Coast Pipeline public hearing.

Virginia Moms Clean Air Force members attended a Senate Environment and Public Works Committee meeting focused on the nomination of Scott Pruitt to head EPA.

A Virginia Supermom attended a group meeting with Senators Warner and Kaine in Washington, DC.

January 2017

Moms Clean Air Force joined the League of Conservation Voters for the Public Health Festival at the Unitarian Church of Norfolk.

Moms Clean Air Force traveled to DC to speak with Senators Kaine and Warner about the nomination of Scott Pruitt to head EPA.

Moms Clean Air Force tabled at Virginia Conservation Network’s Lobby Day–a statewide lobbying effort to support key environmental legislation in the Virginia General Assembly.

Moms Clean Air Force Virginia marched in the Norfolk Women’s March, part of a network of marches held across the country.

December 2016

Moms Clean Air Force Virginia attended an Environmental Justice Collaborative Meeting in Richmond.

Moms Clean Air Force Virginia attended the Virginia Coastal Policy Centers in partnership with a William & Mary University Annual Training Event in Williamsburg.

Moms Clean Air Force attended the 2017 General Assembly Preview, advocacy training by the Virginia Conservation Network.

November 2016

Moms Clean Air Force Virginia participated in a George Mason University Webinar: Climate Change and Politics: What’s Next for Virginia?

Moms Clean Air Force Virginia co-hosted an event with Sierra Club and Mothers Out Front to plan with members and possible future members.

October 2016

Moms Clean Air Force Virginia and partners hosted a telephone press conference to discuss the proposed destruction of an historic African-American Freedmen community that is one of the founding agricultural communities of colonial America, in order to make way for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP).

Moms Clean Air Force Virginia attended Rock the Frack Out: Concert for Action on Climate Change.

Moms Clean Air Force Virginia attended the Hampton Roads Solar Tour.

Moms Clean Air Force Virginia attended the Sierra Club happy hour at Kelly’s Tavern Strawbridge.

September 2016

Moms Clean Air Force attended the Suffolk Candidates Forum.

Moms Clean Air Force attended the Virginia Beach City Council Candidate Forum at TCC Virginia Beach.

Moms Clean Air Force attended the premiere of Facing the Surge and the accompanying panel discussion.

Moms Clean Air Force Virginia participated in the Social Justice University Gathering at Shiloh Baptist Church in Norfolk.

Moms Clean Air Force Virginia hosted a Play-In at Mt. Trashmore Park in Virginia Beach focused on voting for action on climate change.

Moms Clean Air Force Virginia attended and tabled at the Virginia Conservation Network Environmental Assembly.

Moms Clean Air Force Virginia tabled at the Eighth Annual Go Green Expo, held at the Brittingham Midtown Community Center on Jefferson Avenue in Newport News.

August 2016

Moms Clean Air Force tabled at LOCKN’ 2016 in Arrington.

Field organizer Alden Cleanthes testified at the Chesapeake Bay Defenders Public Comment Hearing regarding the Forage Fish Amendment.

Field organizer Alden Cleanthes spoke at a Virginia Beach Green Drinks event about get out the vote efforts.

Moms Clean Air Force tabled at the Steppin’ Out Music and Arts Festival in Blacksburg.

July 2016

Moms Clean Air Force Virginia tabled at FloydFest, a music and arts festival held annually near Floyd, Virginia.

Field organizer Alden Cleanthes spoke at a press event focused on Toxic Air Emissions in Virgina: Top 25 Most Dangerous Zip Codes.

Moms Clean Air Force Virginia attended the Hampton Roads Sea-Level Rise and Adaptation Forum.

On July 13 Moms Clean Air Force hosted the third annual Play-In for Climate Action at Upper Senate Park in Washington, DC.

Moms Clean Air Force Virginia hosted a Read-In at the Chinn Park Regional Library in Woodbridge.

Moms Clean Air Force Virginia hosted Playtime at the Park: A Food Drive Closing Ceremony at Bayville Park in Virginia Beach. The ceremony included a welcome and thank you speech, food collection and display of our efforts, parachute playtime, and networking.

June 2016

Moms Clean Air Force Virginia 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 Virginia attended Virginia Conservation Network’s Local Climate Impacts Panel Discussion.

Moms Clean Air Force attended Governor McAuliffe’s signing of executive order 57, a directive to address carbon emissions in our state.

Moms Clean Air Force attended the Virginia Energy Policy Forum in Hampton Roads.

Moms Clean Air Force Virginia tabled at the CMA Environmental Fair.

Moms Clean Air Force participated in the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s 28th Annual Clean the Bay Day.

May 2016

Moms Clean Air Force Virginia attended the Building University-Community Partnerships for Resilience Conference at Old Dominion University’s Peninsula Higher Education Center in Hampton.

Moms Clean Air Force Virginia attended Congressman Scott Rigell’s State of the Bay event.

Moms Clean Air Force participated in the 6th annual Hands Across the Sand to protest drilling off our coast and seismic testing and to support clean energy, like offshore wind.

Moms Clean Air Force Virginia attended an Asthma and Air Quality Workshop in Newport News with the Southeast CARE Coalition.

Moms Clean Air Force and the Virginia League of Conservation Voters hosted an environmental community happy hour event at Croc’s Eco-Bistro in Virginia Beach. Terra Pascarosa, Manager of Field Operations for Moms Clean Air Force, and Becca Summers, Advocacy Coordinator for VALCV, presented on upcoming projects and opportunities to become involved in their organizations.

Moms Clean Air Force tabled at Moms Organic Market in Merrifield, Virginia, to help spread our mission of clean air and kids’ health to local moms and dads.

Sarah Brickhead of the Virginia Department of Health conducted a Read-In at the Children’s Museum of Richmond-Central.

Moms Clean Air Force Virginia attended a screening and post-film discussion of Catching the Sun at Naro Cinema.

Sarah Brickhead of the Virginia Department of Health conducted a Read-In at the Children’s Museum of Richmond-Short Pump.

Moms Clean Air Force attended a screening of Shore Stories at Old Dominion University Theatre in Norfolk. Shore Stories is a new collection of short films highlighting the impacts of offshore drilling on coastal ecosystems and communities.

Moms Clean Air Force hosted an environmental community happy hour event at Postbellum in Richmond with Virginia League of Conservation Voters. Terra Pascarosa, Manager of Field Operations for Moms Clean Air Force, and Becca Summers, Advocacy Coordinator for VALCV, presented on upcoming projects and opportunities to become involved in their organizations.

April 2016

Virginia Moms Clean Air Force partner Southeast CARE Coalition hosted a Read-In at the C. Waldo Scott Center for H.O.P.E in Newport News.

Moms Clean Air Force Virginia hosted a Read-In at Halstead Dulles in Herndon.

Julie Hayden, a gifted resources teacher, conducted a Read-In at Bettie F. Williams Elementary School in Virginia Beach.

Moms Clean Air Force hosted a Read-In at Children’s Garden Preschool in Richmond.

Moms Clean Air Force hosted a Read-In for 1st grade classes at HILTON Elementary School in Newport News.

Moms Clean Air Force hosted a Read-In at Beth Emeth Early Childhood Center in Herndon.

Moms Clean Air Force tabled at Moms Organic Market in Merrifield to help promote and spread our mission of clean air and kids’ health to local moms and dads.

Virginia Supermom Alden Cleanthes spoke at the Midlothian Junior Women’s Club (MJWC) meeting. The MJWC is a nonprofit group that seeks to assist other nonprofits in the Greater Richmond area.

March 2016

Virginia Supermom and owner of Be A Little Lotus Yoga Barbara Schlegel conducted traveling yoga Read-Ins in Hampton Roads, Chesapeake, and Virginia Beach.

Moms Clean Air Force attended the Hampton Roads Watershed Forum at Slover Library in Norfolk.

Moms Clean Air Force Virginia attended a community meeting on equitable development in Southeast Virginia.

Moms Clean Air Force hosted a Read-In at Broad Bay Manor Children’s Learning Center in Virginia Beach.

Terra Pascarosa spoke at an Environment Virginia press conference at First Landing State Park. At the event, Environment Virginia released an updated interactive map that shows how extreme weather events linked to climate change are impacting Virginians. Extreme weather events like floods, wildfires,
droughts, and snow storms are becoming more frequent because of climate change. The map is highlighting people’s personal stories about how they have experienced extreme storms.

Moms Clean Air Force Virginia presented at a Green Drinks Chesapeake meeting at Y-Not Pizza Chesapeake. Green Drinks Chesapeake is a group of environmentally minded people who enjoy networking with like-minded people and learning about environmental matters in our community.

February 2016

Moms Clean Air Force Virginia attended a luncheon to address environmental injustices in Virginia, with a focus on Hampton Roads.

Moms Clean Air Force Virginia hosted their second annual Mama Summit in Richmond. Through May, hundreds of moms, dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and kids from across the country will travel to their state capitols to show broad and united support for children’s health. Together in a bipartisan, or MOMpartisan, setting we will demand action to protect the air our children breathe and call for action on climate disruption.

January 2016

Moms Clean Air Force Virginia attended the Winter Wildlife Festival at Princess Anne Recreation Center.

Moms Clean Air Force Virginia attended the Ocean Frontiers II Film Screening and Panel Discussion at Old Dominion University Theatre. Discussion included learning about the draft Mid-Atlantic Regional Ocean Plan and how we can help sustain the ocean environment, marine livelihoods, and coastal cultures in our increasingly busy Virginia waters.