Mother’s Day is May 8th, and there are a lot of ways to celebrate Mom in Las Vegas. From a fun picnic at a local park, to a Mother’s Day cocktail at one of the many bars, there are lots of ways to make this a day for mom.
The Las Vegas Moms are a part of the national EcoMadres initiative, led by national organizer Cinthia Zermeno Moore. This initiative has a goal of raising awareness about climate change among the public. In Nevada, the organization has a strong focus on a particular health issue: COVID-19, a pandemic of respiratory illnesses caused by smog.
Since March, Moms Clean Air Force Nevada has worked hard to raise awareness about the importance of COVID-19. During COVID-19, the group met with congressional members and discussed the dangers of air pollution. They also presented testimony at an EPA virtual public hearing on PM 2.5, the smallest particles that can penetrate the lungs.
The EPA has ignored science and put thousands of lives at risk. EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler has continued to move forward dangerous rollbacks that undermine the health of all Americans. He has also proposed rolling back the standards for particle and smog pollution.
As a result, the group is calling on the EPA to strengthen the standards for methane and other air pollutants. And, they are joining Congressman Steven Horsford’s Nevada Equity Council, which is comprised of community leaders from Nevada’s Fourth District.
Members of Congress, including Representatives Steven Horsford and Donald McEachin, introduced the 100% Clean Economy Act of 2019. It aims to eliminate all climate pollution by 2050. Other bill sponsors include Earl Blumenauer, Chellie Pingree, Paul Tonko, and Debbie Dingell.
As a member of Congressman Horsford’s Nevada Equity Council, Moms Clean Air Force Nevada joined in the conversation on August 10 by hosting a virtual school bus press conference. Speakers included Nevada State Senator Pat Spearman, Nevada Conservation League’s Verna Mandez, and Moms Clean Air Force field organizer Cinthia Zermeno Moore.
Moms Clean Air Force Nevada has also been meeting with members of Congress to raise awareness about the need to address climate pollution. Congressman Horsford met with the organization’s members to discuss issues of health and air pollution. Additionally, Governor Sisolak recently announced that Nevada will join the U.S. Climate Alliance.
EPA’s new proposal would continue to ignore the evidence that health harm is significantly worse at levels below the current standard. As a result, the organization is asking the EPA to reinstate longstanding state authority to protect residents from climate pollution caused by cars.
Nevada moms are a force for bold climate legislation. As a part of the EPA’s first climate-related public hearing since President Biden took office, they spoke out against EPA regulatory rollbacks. Their testimony was one of only two groups invited to speak at the press event. Now, they are working with the Nevada Environmental Justice Coalition to educate the public.
A new MOB chapter is being formed in Las Vegas and Henderson. These mom-owned businesses are facing challenges, and they need a safe space to work through these difficulties. Founder Aria Leighty recognized this need, and launched The MOB Nation in January 2012. She’s hoping that the group will help more business owners find the support and resources they need.