How Moms Clean Air Force is Changing Air Quality

by Amanda Hawkins

Mother and daughter at Moms Clean Air Force

Someday, all of our children will inherit the Earth.  

But what if they’re inheriting an Earth that’s filled with unhealthy levels of air pollution?  

The moms and dads of Moms Clean Air Force are well aware of this reality. So, they banded together to form an air quality group that works to protect their children’s future and public health by combatting air pollution.  

We’re always interacting with our PurpleAir Community to see what projects are happening. Together, we’re cultivating a community and empowering members with the data they need to tackle air pollution all over the world. Because at PurpleAir, we believe in making air quality knowledge accessible to everyone.  

And we’re not alone in that mission.  

Today, we’re excited to share about Moms Clean Air Force and the steps they’re taking to improve air quality for the next generations. 

What is Moms Clean Air Force? 

Moms Clean Air Force (MCAF) is a non-profit air quality organization formed by moms, dads, and caregivers across the United States. In establishing this organization, they aim to build a safe, equitable future where all children can breathe cleaner air in their communities. Today, Moms Clean Air Force has over 1.5 million members and offices across 27 states. 

This air quality group achieves this by:  

  • Publishing trustworthy air quality news, articles, research papers, and other resources to educate others about air quality. 
  • Organizing events, seminars, and workshops to spread public awareness and encourage action.
  • Supporting national and local policies that reduce or eliminate air pollution. 
  • Coordinating with policymakers, industry leaders, and government organizations to find solutions to air pollution. 
  • Working with minority groups, helping them advocate for environmental justice in their local community. 

How Moms Clean Air Force is Helping Promote Clean Air 

Since it was established in 2011, MCAF has pushed for at least 37 legislations and made more than 1,000 media appearances advocating for healthier and cleaner air. One of their most significant achievements is endorsing the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) into law.  

Thanks to this act, the government is investing $370 billion in initiatives. These initiatives aim to cut down greenhouse gas emissions, including particulate matter (PM2.5). It also offers tax incentives to individuals and businesses who switch to environmentally friendly alternatives.  

More importantly, it supports projects that help underserved communities living with legacy pollution. Ultimately, this act aims to reduce emissions by 50-52% below 2005 levels by 2030.  

Other MCAF important wins are:  

  • Recommending the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) impose stricter standards regarding methane emissions and other pollutants.  
  • Supporting the Clean Commute for Kids Act that encourages school districts to replace traditional school buses with zero- and low-emission buses. 
  • Contributing to the 21st Century Conservation Corps Act which works towards stronger wildfire prevention initiatives. 
  • Establishing the EcoMadres program that advocates for better air quality for the Latino communities.

Currently, MCAF is fighting to protect families and communities from petrochemical pollution by disseminating educational materials to neighborhoods, schools, and institutions. They’re also holding discussions with EPA to update their policies on it.  

Moms Clean Air Force is just a single way everyone can evoke positive change in terms of air quality. In the last decade, they have accomplished so much, showing no one is too small to make a difference. Beyond this, MCAF has proved that we can improve today’s air quality for tomorrow’s generation. 

Get Involved Yourself  

At PurpleAir, there are tons of community projects going on around the world. We’re thrilled to see these kinds of collaborative efforts, and we look forward to seeing plenty more in the future. Are you working on a community project with PurpleAir’s air quality monitors? 

We would love to hear about it. Share a post in the Community Project forum so we can highlight your work. Together, we can make air quality accessible for everyone. 

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