Photo cred: Food and Water Watch

Fossil fuel company Enbridge has recently proposed expanding a fracked gas pipeline through Northern Westchester, NY, known as Project Maple. However, moms showed up to put a stop to it.

On June 25, 2025, the Croton-on-Hudson Board of Trustees voted to pass a resolution opposing Project Maple. This project is a dangerous plan to expand the Algonquin pipeline and pump even more fracked gas through local neighborhoods. The vote followed a rally where members of the Mothers Out Front Northern Westchester team joined community leaders in rejecting the fossil fuel industry’s latest threat.

“As mothers, we refuse to stand by while pipeline expansions threaten our children’s health, safety, and future,” said Mothers Out Front member Donna O’Malley. “These projects endanger our communities with toxic leaks, climate chaos, and irreversible environmental damage. We demand an immediate halt to all pipeline expansions and a swift transition to clean, renewable energy. Our families deserve a safe, healthy world — and we will fight for it.”

This success is proof that when moms organize, speak out, and demand better, real change occurs.

Mothers Out Front is building a movement of moms who are ready to fight back against the fossil fuel industry. Join our Moms v. Methane campaign to help stop fossil gas infrastructure and accelerate the transition to clean energy in your community. Because our kids deserve better, and our moms don’t back down.

Prioritizing Short-Term Gas Pipeline Repairs

Mothers Out Front Massachusetts (MA) teams have been on the ground taking action and advocating for the passage of this climate bill. One key piece of this legislation will prioritize short-term repairs for dangerous gas pipeline leaks and begin retiring aging pipelines – a major win for our MOF MA Team. Lee Ketelsen of MOF MA Clean Heat, Clean Air Campaign Team said, “Prioritizing repair of gas leaks in our streets rather than installing new expensive gas pipes will save ratepayers billions and facilitate a managed transition off gas.” This shift reflects a move towards reducing the state’s reliance on natural gas while focusing on safety and cost-effectiveness. 

Streamlining Renewable Energy Infrastructure

Massachusetts must accelerate the development of renewable energy infrastructure to meet its climate plans, including achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. However, the current permitting process is overly complicated and lengthy – posing a significant hurdle. This new climate bill simplifies these procedures, creating a more streamlined path for clean energy projects while protecting communities and the environment. 

Centering Climate Justice in Renewable Energy Projects

We know that low-income communities, especially those of color, are hit the hardest by industrial development and the effects of climate change. As a landmark step, this bill embeds climate justice principles directly into the permitting process for renewable energy projects. Developers of large renewable and clean energy projects must now engage communities early in the process. This includes hosting public meetings and conducting outreach before permits can be secured.

Additionally, all major projects will require a cumulative impact analysis, a comprehensive review beyond traditional environmental assessments. This analysis will consider historical industrial development in the area, existing environmental burdens, and any potential impacts. In cases where projects pose a significant burden, developers may need to provide compensation through community benefit agreements, including workforce development programs, environmental improvements, or direct payments to affected communities.

A Blueprint for Other States

Massachusetts’ new climate bill is a model for integrating ambitious climate action with equity and community engagement. By streamlining renewable energy development, prioritizing climate justice, and addressing critical barriers to clean energy and transportation, the state is laying the groundwork for a sustainable, equitable future.

As we celebrate this win, Mothers Out Front will continue advocating for bold, just climate solutions that protect the future of all children. Together, we’re empowering communities to lead the charge in building a livable climate for all.

Interested in joining a MOF team?

Contact: Kia Smith, kia.smith@mothersoutfront.org
Bella Cockerell, bella.cockerell@mothersoutfront.org

Mothers Out Front New York Creates Space for Moms and Caregivers During Climate Week NYC

NEW YORK (September 27, 2024) – Last week, Mothers Out Front New York hosted over 90 mothers, caregivers and others at two events during Climate Week NYC. At these events, mothers, caregivers and others participated in an electric school bus experience, learned how to advocate for electric school buses in their communities and took the time to pause and rejuvenate from the demanding work of advocacy and caregiving. 

On Tuesday, September 24, mothers and other caregivers gathered at Greenwich Village for an immersive electric school bus experience, Green Dreams & Electric School Bus Rides: A Family-Friendly Climate Week Celebration. While kids used watercolors to imagine their sustainable future with art, moms and other caregivers discussed the dangerous impact that dirty, diesel buses have on students and learned how they could advocate for electric school buses in their community. 

“My son was spending 40 minutes on the bus each day to travel the one-and-a-half miles to his preschool,” said Jennifer Gessner, a member of Mothers Out Front’s Westchester Rivertowns team. “ Forty minutes is a long time for a four-year-old to breathe in dangerous toxins and air pollutants.”

“We know moms and caregivers are the best ESB messengers for school districts, because our kids are suffering the health and climate effects from diesel buses every day,” said Bobby Monacella, Senior Campaigner at Mothers Out Front. “Our goal is to give advocates the tools to ask their districts to apply for the $965,000,000 in federal funding available right now for ESBs.”

After a week of advocating and connecting with other moms and advocates, our caregivers took some time for themselves and rejuvenated during Pause: A Space to Heal and Reconnect During Climate Week on Thursday, September 26th. Co-sponsored by Mothers Out Front, Dear Sundays, Climate Mental Health Network and Safe Space, moms and other climate advocates enjoyed light snacks and workshops geared toward relieving stress and anxiety as they relaxed and connected with each other.

“Pause was such a nice break from the hustle and bustle of Climate Week NY, advocacy and the daily responsibility of caregiving,” said Damaris (Lizeth) Argueta from Mothers Out Front NY. “It’s hard to take care of others when you’re operating from a deficit, so I’m really grateful that Mothers Out Front was intentional about creating space for moms to pause and take care of themselves.”

For photos of these events, click here.

About Climate Week NYC
Climate Week NYC is the largest annual climate event of its kind, bringing together over 600 events and activities across the City of New York – in person, hybrid and online. Each year, business leaders, political change makers, local decision takers and civil society representatives of all ages and backgrounds, from all over the world, gather to drive the transition, speed up progress, and champion change that is already happening. Climate Week NYC is hosted by Climate Group, an international non-profit whose purpose is to drive climate action, fast. 

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Mothers Out Front is a member-led climate justice organization. We are mothers, sisters, aunts, grandmothers and other caregivers coming together to make climate justice a priority issue that our decision-makers can no longer ignore. We are building a powerful grassroots movement to ensure a swift, complete and just transition away from fossil fuels and toward a clean and renewable energy future where our children and families can thrive, not just survive.

Over 250 Schools and Playgrounds Near Gas Leaks in Boston and Chelsea: Mothers Out Front, Conservation Law Foundation and Others Sue National Grid for Gas Leaks, Violating Federal and State Laws 

“Dangerous and potentially explosive gas is actively leaking near 258 schools and playgrounds in Boston and Chelsea. We cannot continue to put our children and communities at risk. National Grid can’t continue putting Band-Aids on its aging pipelines. They must take action to protect our kids and invest in electric energy, an energy source that is cleaner and safer for our kids and communities.”

“It is unconscionable to see this many gas leaks near places where our children spend so much time. By allowing gas to continue leaking this close to where our children learn and play, National Grid is creating unnecessary risks to our community’s health, safety and well-being. We all need and deserve cleaner energy in our communities.”

BOSTON, MA (August 13, 2024) – In order to protect our children and ensure all schools and playgrounds are safe from methane gas leaks, Mothers Out Front, Conservation Law Foundation (CLF), Boston Parks Advocates, GreenRoots, and eight individuals have announced plans to sue National Grid for both federal and state law violations on gas leaks and tree protections.

“Dangerous and potentially explosive gas is actively leaking near 258 schools and playgrounds in Boston and Chelsea,” shared Tania Castro-Daunais. Castro-Daunais is a Mothers Out Front Member Leader who lives in East Boston, where active leaks are occurring near Excel Academy Charter School and eight parks and playgrounds. “We cannot continue to put our children and communities at risk. National Grid can’t continue putting Band-Aids on its aging pipelines. They must take action to protect our kids and invest in electric energy, an energy source that is cleaner and safer for our kids and communities.”

As of June 30, 2024, 46 of the 195 schools in Boston and Chelsea were within 350 feet of gas leaks. Additionally, 212 of 537 parks and playgrounds in Boston were within 350 feet of a gas leak, and one park in Chelsea was also within this distance of a gas leak. “Utility companies advise people to move at least 350 feet away from any suspected gas leak, so it is unconscionable to see this many gas leaks near places where our children spend so much time,” said Sonja Tengblad, an East Boston mom whose 6-year-old son often plays at six of the eight East Boston parks near gas leaks. Tengblad is also the Founder and Co-Coordinator of Mothers Out Front’s East Boston Team. “By allowing gas to continue leaking this close to where our children learn and play, National Grid is creating unnecessary risks to our community’s health, safety and well-being. We all need and deserve cleaner energy in our communities.”

“Mothers Out Front was founded in Massachusetts on the conviction that there is no more powerful force for change than mothers mobilizing to protect their children,” said Beth Shipp, Executive Director of Mothers Out Front. “Our moms have been fighting gas leaks in the Boston-area since 2015. It is time for National Grid to join us and commit to no longer exposing children to toxic and explosive fumes.”

If National Grid does not come into compliance, Mothers Out Front, CLF, and the other listed plaintiffs will file a federal lawsuit. This is a first of its kind federal case. The full notice letter can be found here.

Mothers Out Front members and staff are available for further comment.

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Mothers Out Front is a member-led climate justice organization. We are mothers, sisters, aunts, grandmothers and other caregivers coming together to make climate justice a priority issue that our decision-makers can no longer ignore. We are building a powerful grassroots movement to ensure a swift, complete and just transition away from fossil fuels and toward a clean and renewable energy future where our children and families can thrive, not just survive.

On May 31, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded $96 million to New York State schools through its Clean School Bus Rebate Program to replace more than 350 existing fossil fuel buses with clean, electric buses.  The Union Free School District of the Tarrytowns, located in Tarrytown, NY, was awarded $1.02 million to purchase 5 electric school buses.  This marks a major milestone in the campaign of the Mothers Out Front Westchester Rivertowns team, which started advocating for electric school buses in Tarrytown back in 2019.

Our journey began when team members learned about the serious health impacts that can result from riding diesel school buses, and about the major climate benefit of transitioning to zero-emission buses.  The team gathered research on electric school buses, as well as state funding sources, and met with their school district administrators.  The administration was tentatively receptive, and the MOF team continued to make their case, including speaking at school board meetings and publishing a letter to the editor in the local newspaper.  The team also tabled at the local farmers market to build community awareness and support.  They coordinated with the Northern Westchester Mothers Out Front team to present a County-wide electric school bus webinar in partnership with the County Executive’s office.

In March of 2020, just before the Pandemic, the team’s state Assembly Member, with whom they had also been meeting, offered to give their school district funding to help cover the upfront cost difference between an electric bus and a standard diesel bus.  That motivated the school administration to pursue a second state grant, all of which eventually led to the district purchasing its first electric school bus, which arrived in 2023.  The district celebrated its arrival with MOF at a ribbon-cutting ceremony as part of its Back to School Bash that August.

Fortunately, New York State and the federal government (thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) have since developed more robust electric school bus funding programs, including money for charging infrastructure and assistance with fleet electrification planning.  And the Tarrytown district is helping to lead the way to a healthier, more sustainable future for our children.