Moms, Dads, Grandparents, Children Convene in Concord for Mama Summit to Support Climate Action, Clean Air

Today Moms, Dads, Grandparents and their children from across the state convened in Concord to show broad and united support for children’s health and climate action. Together in a bipartisan, or MOMpartisan, setting, parents demanded action to protect the air our children breathe and to call for action on climate change. 

Summit participants met with legislators and toured the State House.  Yvonne Nanasi, Moms Clean Air Force’s NH Field Manager, reported that “Today, moms, dads and grandparents reminded legislators that emissions upwind of New Hampshire are primarily attributable to coal-fired utilities and waste incinerators in the Northeast and Midwest. Legislators can take action to rid our air of these pollutants. The Mama Summit is harnessing the strength of parents’ love to take action against polluters for the health of their children and future generations.”  

During the morning discussion, letters to Summit participants from Senator Shaheen, Senator Ayotte and Congresswoman Kuster applauded the recent Supreme Court decision that allows the Cross State Air Pollution rule to be implemented. The new rules will decrease the pollution blown into NH from other state’s power plants. Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter, Senator Jeff Woodburn and NH House Speaker, Representative Terie Norelli urged parents to take action NOW because  manageable factors contribute to the finding that the prevalence of asthma for adults and children is higher in NH than in most of the US.  

The Appalachian Mountain Club, a partner in organizing the Summit has been studying the impacts of air pollution in the White Mountains for decades.  “AMC promotes safe and healthy outdoor time for kids and their families, learning about and enjoying the natural world, and encourages stewardship of our trails, forests, and waters.  But air pollutants can present barriers to healthy outdoor experiences and they degrade and damage our natural ecosystems”, says Georgia Murray, AMC Staff Scientist. 

Lisa Smith, Co-chair of the Hillsborough County Chapter of the Holistic Moms Network, voiced their concerns at the Summit, “We strive to bring awareness, education, and support to parents seeking to build a life, home, and community that are sustainable and free of toxins, and I know that my sentiments are shared throughout the Holistic Moms community. Our purpose as parents is to build a sustainable future and the effects of pollution and its impact on climate change is hindering our ability to create a positive future for the next generation.”

Cristine Trayner, Mrs. NH United States 2013, spoke about how small life style adjustments can have a big impact on our environment. Her presentation reminded Summit participants that “You CAN play a part in sustaining our environment for generations to come!” 

“The legacy of clean air bipartisan politics in New Hampshire has helped identify the health and environmental impacts of pollution from power plants, like soot, smog and carbon, “ stated Catherine Corkery from NH Sierra Club. “Everyone wants to see healthy families, stewardship of wildlife populations and stronger communities than what we inherited. The Moms today are only seeking what every Mom wants for their children: a safer, healthier and cleaner life.”

Sara Persechino of NH Citizens Alliance added, "We are thrilled to help train New Hampshire mamas, papas, and grandparents to take action on the policies and initiatives that impact the health and well being of our families." 

Leading up to Mother’s Day, Mama Summits are being held at the State House in Springfield, IL, Frederick, MD, Lansing, MI, Trenton, NJ, Columbus, OH, Harrisburg, PA, and Concord, NH.  The Concord, NH Mama Summit was sponsored by Moms Clean Air Force in partnership with AMC, NH Sierra Club, NH Citizens Alliance, National Wildlife Federation, Environment America, Holistic Moms Network, Women for Women Coalition, and Climate Parents.