Mothers Out Front

Lessons in Organizing an Open House | MOF Cambridge

Elena Fagotto, MOF Cambridge — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:37:53 +0000

Our Cambridge chapter took a meaningful step in Fall 2025 by hosting an in-person potluck for our active volunteers. Some seasoned volunteers mentioned that before COVID, our chapter had community events at the library. Others urged us to meet in person more often because some members join Mothers Out Front for the community. Zoom is convenient, but every once in a while, it’s good to reconnect in person. So we decided to hold an in-person event at the Cambridge Public Library on March 15!

Purpose of the Event

Reconnect with our volunteers.
Recruit new volunteers. We decided to invite everyone on our Cambridge mailing list (1,000 people!)
Take action together. We heard people love action calls because they feel they are doing something concrete for the climate.
Offer an opportunity for meaningful engagement and give participants a sense of self-efficacy in the climate movement.

How We Did It

Formed a small committee and picked a regular meeting time

The committee included members of our growth and engagement team, our communications leader, and the co-coordinators. We started meeting in February and blocked time in our calendars for weekly check-ins.

Brainstormed on the format

We knew for sure that we wanted to give people a chance to connect with each other and have conversations, rather than looking at a PowerPoint, which felt boring and not very engaging. We preferred something more interactive and informal.

Here’s what we considered:

Having an ice breaker activity
Hosting small presentations by our sub-teams to recruit volunteers (Cambridge has a Public Officials team, a Growth and Engagement team, a Communications team, and an Environmental Justice team)
Conducting mini 1:1s where we paired new people with active volunteers
“Speed dating,” where new volunteers would connect briefly with our teams and rotate to the next one.

Choose an action

We wanted new and active volunteers to feel that their time with us was impactful. The House just passed an improved version of the energy bill in January, so we thought the action could involve thanking our representatives. We know that expressing gratitude is important to strengthen the relationship with our representatives (we always reach out to them with an “ask”, this time we would just say “thank you”). We also knew that art would allow us to be creative together and bring a joyful experience to active and new volunteers. So we asked our members Judy and Anne to come up with an artistic idea to go with the cards. They proposed beautiful paper flowers on pipe cleaner stems.

Planned logistics and outreach

We offered snacks and encouraged parents to bring their children to make the event as inclusive as possible.

For outreach we:

Sent two eblasts to our entire chapter
Followed up with personalized emails to our active volunteers (70 people)
Posted flyers at the libraries and in other locations around Cambridge
Invited students and faculty from local university research programs on climate
Reached out to local organizations that we normally partner with (like the YWCA)
Engaged a high school student who needed community service hours (this is a good way to expand outreach to students)

Prepared materials

Event page on Every Action, so we could track RSVPs
Flyer to be used for eblasts and promotion on Instagram and Facebook.
Descriptions of available volunteer jobs
An agenda

How it Went

We started by asking everyone to introduce themselves, share what they were hoping to get out of the meeting, and share their favorite part of Spring (an easy icebreaker). Leaders from our Public Officials and Growth and Engagement teams explained the action and its importance, and offered a demonstration on making the paper flowers.

The group joined smaller tables to work on the flowers and cards. We made one gratitude card per representative and attached a few of our paper flowers to each one. We also prepared sheets with message ideas to make it easy for participants.

We had planned to have mini 1:1s, but we skipped that part because making the cards and the flowers took longer than we thought, and people were having good conversations. There was a positive atmosphere, people were talking and enjoying snacks, so we favored letting them connect rather than having 1:1s.

Note: Being flexible and adapting to the flow of the event was a good idea!

We even received a surprise visit from two of our state reps, Rep. Decker and Rep. Owens, and Cambridge Mayor Siddiqui. Their visit was a nice reminder to all of us that our work is respected. It also highlighted the strong relationships we have with our reps and the importance of cultivating them.

The Follow-Up

After the event, participants received a follow-up email where we thanked them and invited them to sign up for the next welcome call. We also offered 1:1s, which had a great outcome. Four people registered for 1:1s, and three of them joined our leadership team!

The next step was to hand-deliver the cards and flowers to our representatives.

Delivering the Cards and Flowers

On April 8, a small delegation from MOF Cambridge visited the State House to deliver cards to all six of our reps (Connolly, Decker, Moran, Owens, Rogers, Ryan). Current members Diana and I were joined by new members Mari and Rosalba.

We had good conversations with most of our reps and their aides. This was a great opportunity for our new members to train on advocacy and to bring the action full circle following the library event. After our deliveries, we shared photos on Instagram and tagged our representatives. We also followed up with Moran, Ryan, and Rogers (reps we are still getting to know) by sending thank you notes, meeting requests, and photos from our visit. Rep. Ryan responded, offering to meet with us at the end of April. A wonderful result from our day of action.

Main Takeaways

Connecting in person is always good!
Taking action is important because it highlights what we do and makes volunteers feel their time is impactful.
Adding art and creativity gave us a space for joy and good conversations.
Being flexible and prioritizing people connecting instead of trying to do all the things on our agenda was a great idea because people had more time to get to know each other.
Delivering the cards at the State House was a nice way to close the circle and offered another opportunity to activate our volunteers.
Our reps appreciated being thanked; it was good to be able to express our gratitude without asking for something.
The gratitude card was an important opening for reps that we are not too close with and we got to connect with a rep that we didn’t have a relationship with. This open house is a gift that keeps on giving!

“Do not be afraid.” Reflections from AG Campbell at the Massachusetts State Assembly

Mothers Out Front — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 15:20:32 +0000

“Do not be afraid.”

With these words, Massachusetts Attorney General (AG) Andrea Campbell anchored her remarks to the Mothers Out Front Massachusetts State Assembly, grounding the room in a moment of calm and connection. Speaking to an audience of parents, caregivers, and community members, she acknowledged the emotional weight many people carry today—anxiety, fear, and uncertainty. She encouraged the group to lean on each other for strength, and to look to the faces of children when seeking to overcome despair.

The first woman of color to be elected to a statewide office in Massachusetts, AG Campbell opened with a powerful reflection on why she felt honored and privileged to speak with our community. Her personal story is one of almost unbelievable difficulty. Her mother died before Campbell was a year old, her father was incarcerated until she was eight and died before she was twenty. She and her brothers were reared through a combination of an alcoholic grandmother and a series of foster homes. And yet, she noted, because of her faith and people who invested in her, she–the first person in her family to go to college––not only completed College but also law school.

Campbell decided to use her position to work toward a better world for all, with particular attention to those born without privilege or the ability to hold public figures accountable, working on behalf of those who “feel left out and left behind, who feel invisible, who feel as though [those public figures] are not listening.”

Consequently, her work as Massachusetts AG ties in well with the work of Mothers Out Front, supporting opportunities to create a livable climate. Her office has filed nearly fifty lawsuits against the current administration, covering not only environmental justice but also infrastructure, public schools, public health and jobs.

Fighting for Climate in the Courtroom

The projects her office has battled for include:

Funding for offshore wind projects, without which energy costs were expected to rise by fifty percent by 2050.
Accountability for the Department of Public Utilities (DPU): Saving over two billion dollars last year in utility costs that would have been passed on to rate payers, the AG’s office has hired experts to help reduce costs from DPU and other regulatory agencies. Campbell has noted that the DPU adopted many recommendations from the AG’s office that reined in gas companies’ spending under GSEP (Gas System Enhancement Plan), drawing applause from the audience that was all too familiar with the fight around GSEP.
Fighting Against Scams “by hyper-focusing on everything related to competitive electric supply” through which contracts to reduce costs have actually cost consumers over six hundred million dollars.
Financial Support for Environmental Justice: In addition to demanding accountability, the AG’s office has established grants programs to help low- and moderate- income families transition to a cleaner and greener economy. Because it’s important not only to establish these grants but also to make sure that the people who will need them know that they are available, efforts have continued to publicize these grants.

Equally important has been the establishment of an environmental justice trust fund which has helped the Commonwealth distribute funds for community-designed projects across Massachusetts. Mothers Out Front has been important to Campbell’s work and in turn, we are inspired by her advocacy.

Campbell’s message was a powerful reminder that progress comes from persistence, partnership, and the belief that every community deserves a livable future. Her leadership reinforces the impact we can have when we join together to demand accountability and advance climate justice.

Take Action

Mothers Out Front welcomes everyone to join us in our fight for a livable climate. We provide lots of opportunities to learn, engage, and take action on the issues that you’re most passionate about. Get to know us at a community event or gear up for action on a specific topic at one of our 30-minute Zoom Climate Action Calls. We can’t wait to meet you!

View upcoming events in MA

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Author Theresa Ammirati is a member of the Massachusetts Communications Resource Team of Mothers Out Front. She is a writer and former Professor of English and Dean of Studies at Connecticut College.

Nearly 100 Gathered in Massachusetts to Fight for Our Children’s Future

Mothers Out Front — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 14:22:31 +0000

On a Sunday in early March, nearly 100 mothers, grandmothers, and caregivers gathered at Framingham State University. From Winthrop to Cambridge to Brookline and a dozen towns in between, members came together to fight for our children’s future.

Some have been doing this work for years; some showed up for the first time.

All fighting together because our children are growing up in a world where the air they breathe, the water they drink, and the climate they will inherit are under threat. And we refuse to sit with that fear alone.

A Message of Hope

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell opened our 2026 State Assembly with a crucial message: stay hopeful, keep pushing, don’t back down. She stood in a room full of mothers and caregivers and told us our work matters. AG Campbell, the state’s chief lawyer and law enforcement officer, acknowledged that we are partners in the fight for our children’s health and safety. Her presence gave us hope and made us feel seen and supported.

Empowerment Through Learning

Through a series of workshops we learned about neighborhood electrification and clean energy; building relationships with elected officials; how to spot misinformation and how to fight it; success stories from chapters across the country.

Nelly Medina, our MOF Worcester coordinator, shared her personal story of building a chapter from scratch. Multiple attendees named it as a turning point in their day. Nelly’s story is a reminder that when one mother finds her voice, she gives others permission to find theirs. That is how movements grow; one living room, one town hall, one brave conversation at a time.

Authoritarianism and Climate Change

The most popular session, attended by more than half of us, was on authoritarianism and climate change. This highlights the moment we are in and the power that is cultivated when we don’t turn away from attacks on our communities. When the federal government rescinds the EPA’s Endangerment Finding, when environmental protections are gutted, when science itself is attacked, mothers pay attention because our children pay the price.

Powerful Take-Aways

When asked what we were taking home, the same words came up again and again: Energy. Connection. Inspiration. Hope. We discussed the power of being in a room together, face to face, after months of Zoom calls and email threads. We also talked about the reassurance of knowing we are not doing this alone.

One of us wrote: “We are strong because we are together.”

Recognizing the Moment

We are organizing in a hard moment. Federal climate policy is being dismantled and misinformation about environmental issues is spreading. But Mothers Out Front is not giving up and we are not backing down. Our progress continues. MOF Massachusetts chapters are advancing neighborhood electrification projects; we’re pressuring state legislators; building coalitions with organizations that share our values; training the next generation of local climate leaders. Many urged that plastics should be a core issue and their effect on the environment and health.

The Fight for Our Children's Future

The thread that connects all of this work is the climate crisis. It connects the mother in Worcester organizing her first community meeting to the Attorney General who showed up to stand with us. We are living through the climate crisis and so are our children. We can’t afford to wait for someone else to fix it. It will be solved in our living rooms and town halls and state legislatures, by people who love their children too much to look away.

Take Action

Let’s keep the momentum going. Join us in Maryland for a Make Polluters Pay Campaign training on Saturday, April 11. Hosted by Mothers Out Front and Chesapeake Action, community members, advocates, students, and experts will gather from across the state to build the movement to hold major fossil fuel companies accountable for the costs of climate change.

Register Now to Attend

Moms in Westchester Rally to Defend Climate Law

Mothers Out Front — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 15:20:38 +0000

On March 13, community leaders and climate organizations, including Mothers Out Front gathered for a rally in Tarrytown, NY to defend New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). MOF Westchester Rivertowns took the lead, organizing a powerful rally that brought together families, students, environmental advocates, and elected officials. The event was hosted by local leaders Amy Hill and Jess Monette (MOF Northern Westchester), with heartfelt speeches from community members who are deeply invested in protecting climate policy.

Protecting Climate Law

Unfortunately, Governor Kathy Hochul has made clear her intent to weaken the CLCPA through budget negotiations, which would trap New Yorkers into decades of expensive and climate-damaging fossil fuels. As the Climate Scoping Plan shows, sticking to the law could save the state $115 billion and create over 300,000 clean energy jobs. We know that methane gas infrastructure is responsible for high energy bills. Implementing the Climate Law would provide a path to more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally safe alternatives like heat pump systems, thermal energy networks, and more renewable energy.

During the rally Sasha Skon, a MOF Westchester Rivertowns member, gave a powerful account of why climate progress is personal for her. Sasha shared how electrifying her home and installing solar and battery storage eliminated their household utility bills for the past several months. She shared, “New York should be leading the way on climate action. I want my kids to have the joy one day of watching their own kids playing outside, breathing it all in. Let’s protect the air and outdoors for all of them. Protect the Climate Law.”

Youth Voices Out Front

Many voices raised concerns including State Assemblymembers Dana Levenberg and MaryJane Shimsky, Sleepy Hollow Mayor Marjorie Hsu, Sierra Club member Marilyn Elie and Sleep Hollow High School student Isabella Bencosme.

Isabella, president of Sleepy Hollow High School’s environmental club, spoke powerfully about the environmental harms her generation is witnessing, the disproportionate impact on marginalized communities, the power and necessity of grassroots activism to create positive change at the local, regional and national levels, and the concern that is shared by other youth about this issue.

The power of youth activism can’t be understated. Children did more than attend the rally — they also fully participated. They ended the rally with an energetic chant:

“1,2,3,4 solar power give us more!

5,6,7,8 Hochul please don’t hesitate!

1,2,3,4 what are you all waiting for?

5,6,7,8 climate action just can’t wait!”

New York State was once a leader in fighting climate change. Now, it risks throwing that away in the era of Trump’s pro-fossil fuel agenda. But New Yorkers aren’t backing down. Parents, community members, legislators and students gathered to say we will not accept going backward.

Our children are counting on us.

Take Action in Albany

Organizations like Food & Water Watch, Climate Families Westchester, Sierra Club, and CCoHope Indivisible are also holding regional press conferences and organizing further mobilizations, including a mass mobilization in Albany on March 25th.

Join the upcoming event, Defend our Climate Law Emergency Rally, and let your voice be heard!

Take Action in NYC

Our friends at Climate Families NYC are holding a rally on March 30th in New York City to call on Governor Hochul to stand strong for our children’s health and future.

Join the upcoming event, NYC Rally to Protect NY Climate Law on March 30th!

Take Action Online

Use this easy email tool to send a message to Governor Hochul and your state legislators that we cannot afford to weaken our climate law.

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Photo credit: Angela Bruno Photography

A Major Win for Families and Climate: Repealing New York’s 100 Foot Rule

Mothers Out Front — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 19:36:32 +0000

After years of determined advocacy by Mothers Out Front members and our allies in the Renewable Heat Now campaign, New York State has officially repealed the outdated and harmful “100 Foot Rule.” The legislature passed the repeal in June 2025, and Governor Kathy Hochul signed it into law in December of 2025. It’s important to note that Governor Hochul amended the bill to delay its effective date by one year, during which time the Public Service Commission (PSC) will issue regulations for its implementation. Although this is a major victory for families, public health, and climate justice, we want to keep the momentum going to solidify New York’s renewable energy future.

Why Repealing the 100 Foot Rule Matters

For decades, the “100 Foot Rule” required all utility customers to subsidize the cost of extending methane gas lines up to 100 feet for new customers. In practice, this meant families already struggling with high utility bills were helping pay to expand fossil fuel infrastructure, which further drives up costs.

Repealing this rule delivers real, tangible benefits including:

Avoiding hundreds of millions of dollars in unnecessary costs on utility bills, helping curb rising energy prices.
Reducing demand for methane gas, which heats the planet faster than carbon dioxide.
Leveling the playing field for all-electric heating, ensuring the real price of gas is no longer hidden through ratepayer subsidies.
Protecting families during policy delays. The implementation of the All-Electric Building Act has been pushed back until 2029 or later (due to Hochul giving in to fossil fuel interests) and by repealing the “100 Foot Rule”, it ensures that New Yorkers are not paying an estimated $600 million per year to subsidize new gas hookups in the meantime.

This victory helps move New York toward cleaner heating solutions powered by renewable energy sources, creating healthier homes and a more affordable energy system.

How We Got Here, Hint: Organizing Works!

This victory is the direct result of powerful, committed organizing. Mothers Out Front is a proud member of the Renewable Heat Now (RHN) campaign, which helped pass the All-Electric Buildings Act in 2023.

We then advocated strongly for the Home Energy Affordability Transition Act, also known as the NY Heat Act, which includes repealing the “100 Foot Rule” and updating the “obligation to serve” so utility companies provide cost-effective thermal services rather than being required to expand methane gas infrastructure.

Toward the end of the 2024-2025 legislative session, bill sponsors introduced a standalone bill to repeal the “100 Foot Rule”, which passed in June 2025. Organizers powered this win through lobby visits, speaking at public events, phonebanks, postcard campaigns, press conferences, mobilization, and sustained pressure urging Governor Hochul to sign the bill.

The Fight Isn't Over

We continue to fight for policies that help New York transition to renewable energy sources so families can access clean, affordable heat while improving air quality. Buildings are the largest source of climate pollution in New York, and methane gas pollution is rapidly heating the planet. Building out gas infrastructure locks families into higher energy costs and worsens climate impacts. Mothers Out Front has consistently fought against gas system expansion including opposition to the NESE pipeline, Algonquin pipeline expansion, and ratepayer subsidies for gas expansion. The recent backpedaling on climate commitments such as delays in implementing the All-Electric Buildings Act, has us concerned so we aren’t slowing down.

The Hochul budget proposal and final state budget negotiations will play a major role in determining if New York invests in affordable electrification, energy efficiency, and renewable energy sources for families. Budget decisions now will shape whether climate policies deliver relief for households facing high energy costs. The “100 Foot Rule” win shows what is possible when continuous pressure and focus is applied.

How to Get Involved

Next step: protect and implement this victory while continuing to push for policies that families need.

Protect the Win
Shape the public narrative by writing a Letter to the Editor. We know that opponents will try to roll this back, so we must make it clear New Yorkers support this change. You can also participate in Public Service Commission proceedings and public comment opportunities to ensure implementation of the repeal.

Sign-Up to volunteer with Mothers Out Front and take action to protect this win.

Fight for a Just Energy Budget
Mothers Out Front and Renewable Heat Now are advocating for investments in the state budget that help families transition away from fossil fuels while lowering energy costs. Key priorities in negotiations include:

Additional funding for Empower Plus to help low and moderate income households improve home energy efficiency and electrify heating
Increased funding for Green Affordable Pre-Electrification programs
Preserve funding for the Weatherization Assistance Program
Funding to help oil and propane customers install heat pumps
Investments supporting the Sustainable Future Program to fund Thermal Energy Networks, Clean Small Buildings, and the Clean Green Schools programs
Passing the Accelerate Solar for Affordable Power Act to expand access to rooftop solar and energy storage.
Updating Public Service Law so utilities provide the most cost-effective, fuel-agnostic heating

Show Up and Take Action
There are many opportunities to get involved including lobby visits with legislators, an upcoming Albany mobilization focused on budget priorities, and rallies demanding full implementation of New York’s climate law. Mother Out Front will also be launching email, calling, and postcard tools so members can easily contact their legislators.

Join Mothers Out Front on April 18th for the “Deadline Hochul” rally in Albany to hold Hochul accountable for implementing the climate law.

This Is What Collective Power Achieves

Repealing the “100 Foot Rule” proves that when mothers, caregivers, and community members organize together, we can take on powerful fossil fuel interests and win. We celebrate this victory with gratitude for every member who showed up, spoke out, and refused to back down. We move forward knowing this work continues until all children and families have a safe and healthy future.

No More Tricks: New Yorkers Rally to End the 100-Foot Rule

Mothers Out Front — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 17:16:54 +0000

On October 28, Mothers Out Front members, families, and local leaders gathered at The Blue Pig in Croton-on-Hudson to send a clear message to Governor Kathy Hochul that it’s time to repeal New York’s outdated and unfair “100 Foot Rule.”

The rule currently forces ratepayers to cover the cost of extending gas lines up to 100 feet for new hookups. This effectively subsidizes the expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure at a time when we need to be investing in clean, affordable energy.

This event brought together advocates and organizations from across the region, including Food & Water Watch, Sierra Club, Climate Reality Project, Green Ossining, and more. Local elected officials including Assemblymember Dana Levenberg, Assemblymember MaryJane Shimsky, and Croton Deputy Mayor Len Simon also joined to show their support.

Speakers emphasized that repealing the rule would not only reduce climate pollution but also save New Yorkers nearly $600 million every year.

“Governor Hochul, we need leadership that prioritizes the well-being of families. By repealing the 100-Foot Rule, we can stop the expansion of the polluting gas system, save money, and transition to clean heating systems that decrease our carbon emissions. Signing this bill is also a necessary step toward curbing our rising energy bills,” said Donna O’Malley, Member Leader of Mothers Out Front Northern Westchester.

Across New York, families are already feeling the burden of rising energy costs. Since 2022, every major gas utility in the state has raised rates, leaving more than 1.2 million families behind on their energy bills. Today, one in four New York households struggles to afford their monthly energy costs. Repealing the 100-Foot Rule would be a powerful step toward ending these subsidies for fossil fuel expansion and redirecting resources to affordable, renewable energy.

States like Massachusetts, California, Colorado, Connecticut, and Maryland have already taken similar steps to end outdated gas subsidies. New Yorkers are calling on Governor Hochul to make sure our state doesn’t get left behind.

During the event, Assemblymember Levenberg (seen dressed in a heat pump costume in the above image) urged the crowd, “We cannot be tricked by pipelines. Pipelines aren’t a treat — they’re a trick. Let’s put a stake in the heart of this monstrous rule.”

New Yorkers deserve an energy system that is affordable, healthy, and contributes to a livable climate.

Get Involved

Ask Governor Hochul to sign the Bill!
Join Renewable Heat Now in Albany on Thursday, December 11 to urge Governor Hochul to stop gas infrastructure expansion.

Families March in Peekskill to Stop Trump’s Fracked Gas Pipeline

Mothers Out Front — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 19:34:32 +0000

Mothers Out Front Calls on Governor Hochul to Reject Trump's Fracked Gas Pipelines

This weekend, more than 100 New Yorkers, including over 30 members of Mothers Out Front teams, came together in Peekskill to make one thing clear: families across Westchester County are done with fossil fuels.

Participants started their march at Charles Point Park and gathered along the Hudson River to call on Governor Kathy Hochul to reject President Trump’s push for new fracked gas pipelines and to protect New York’s clean energy future.

A Return of Rejected Fossil Fuel Projects

Two major fracked gas pipeline projects, the Williams Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) and Constitution pipelines, that New York regulators previously denied, have reemerged under pressure from Trump and fossil fuel interests. The NESE pipeline is now awaiting a permitting decision from Governor Hochul after what advocates are calling a rushed public input process.

Approving these pipelines would raise utility bills for New Yorkers, threaten clean water, undermine the state’s climate law, and be catastrophic for the environment. This moment represents a critical test of New York’s climate leadership and the state’s commitment to a renewable energy future.

Families Demand Climate Leadership

Across New York, parents and community members are urging Governor Hochul not to go back and double down on fracked gas when clean, renewable energy is the future.

“As a mom, I’m outraged at the proposal to build out more fracked gas infrastructure that is heating up our planet and putting our children’s future in jeopardy,” said Sarah Maine, member of Mothers Out Front Southern Westchester.

“And as a ratepayer, I don’t want to pay higher bills to fund long-term investments in more pollution. Our governor should lead the way on responsibly transitioning to renewable energy and more energy efficiency, not double down on fossil fuels. I urge Governor Hochul to reject these unnecessary pipelines.”

Sarah’s words capture the feelings of frustration, urgency, and determination that so many other mothers are experiencing as they fight for a livable planet for their children.

Moms Leading Change

As Governor Hochul weighs her decision, Mothers Out Front members across New York continue to mobilize to make sure she gets the message: New York’s future is renewable, not fracked.

Every parent wants their child to grow up in a safe, healthy world. That future depends on bold leadership today.

Take Action

Join Mothers Out Front in calling on Governor Hochul to reject NESE and Constitution pipelines and uphold New York’s climate commitments.

Trump Administration’s Assault on Children’s Well-being Overshadow “Make Our Children Healthy Again Strategy”

Mothers Out Front — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 16:31:21 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sep 9, 2025

Contact: Jenny Zimmer, jenny.zimmer@mothersoutfront.org, 678-492-8100

“Our children’s lives will be shaped by the real actions of this Administration, not RFK Jr’s vague, pseudoscientific strategy paper.”

The Trump Administration’s Department of Health and Human Services released a much-awaited strategy report today, detailing more than 100 proposals for actions to improve American children’s health. While there are promising ideas in this report, it is primarily a list of ideas rather than a coherent action plan for child wellness, and does not include limiting pesticides and ultraprocessed foods. This report comes after the Trump Administration has consistently acted to put America’s children in harm’s way by reworking CDC leadership to empower vaccine skeptics, rescinding the climate endangerment finding (making greenhouse gasses and related pollutants more difficult to regulate), and cutting critical programs for children including food assistance through SNAP, Headstart programs, removing children from Medicaid, and disbanding federal education funding for students with disabilities.

“As parents, we know that actions speak louder than words,” said Jenny Zimmer, co-Executive Director of Mothers Out Front. “The MAHA strategy report contains important ideas around limiting chemical and screen exposure, promoting healthy food, and air and water quality research, but the administration’s actions tell a different story. The Trump Administration has shown us through their continuous attacks on our children that they are less concerned about child wellness than they are about protecting the profit and power of Big Ag, the chemical industry, and the fossil fuel industry. Look at the track record: from cutting SNAP, Headstart, and Medicaid benefits, to fast tracking new oil and gas projects that will poison air and water, to slashing federal education funding for rural schools and programs for students with disabilities, to ICE raids terrorizing schools and playgrounds. Our children’s lives will be shaped by the real actions of this Administration, not RFK Jr’s vague, pseudoscientific strategy paper.”

“If this country truly wants healthy children, we need to take commonsense actions that science tells us will keep them safe and healthy,” stated Camille Greer, Co-Executive Director of Mothers Out Front, “That means supporting a robust, affordable vaccine access; reducing air and water pollution from cars and trucks, factories, and power plants; regulating the industries releasing toxins into our environment; ensuring every child no matter their income or immigration status has access to healthy food, safe housing, and a good education; and taking real action to control gun violence in this country. Instead, the Trump Administration is waging an assault on our children’s health. It’s time for parents and healthcare providers to come together to demand a real plan to protect America’s children’s health.”

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Mothers Out Front is a member-led climate justice organization working to ensure all children live, learn, and play in a healthy environment. We are mothers and caregivers 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.

Sun Day Solar Series: Solar Is Cheap, But What Does That Mean for My Family?

Mothers Out Front — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 17:40:19 +0000

You’ve probably read the headlines proclaiming that solar is now the cheapest form of electricity in history. That sounds amazing, right? But as moms managing grocery bills, school supplies, and rising energy costs, we have to ask, is it cheap for families like mine or cheap for utility companies and big developers only?

The answer is: both—but in different ways. Let’s break it down.

What “Cheapest Energy” Actually Means

When energy experts say solar is the cheapest, they’re usually referring to the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE). That’s the average cost to produce 1 megawatt-hour of electricity over the lifetime of a power plant, whether it’s a coal plant, gas plant, or solar farm.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), solar PV is now the lowest-cost source of electricity in most countries—cheaper than coal, gas, and nuclear. This includes utility-scale solar farms, which sell electricity directly to the grid.

What About Rooftop Solar for Families?

While the low LCOE of solar applies mainly to utility-scale solar since it can take advantage of economies of scale, residential, community, and commercial solar projects also have LCOEs that are falling. In fact, the cost of residential solar has dropped over 60% in the past decade. Although not as cheap as the energy produced by massive solar farms, rooftop solar now saves the average U.S. homeowner $20,000 to $50,000 over 25 years.

How does that work?

You pay upfront or finance your system with a loan or lease.
The solar panels generate electricity that offsets your utility bill.
If your system makes more than you use, you can get a credit on your utility bill for the electricity you generate (in most states, via net metering).
Your monthly bill drops, often on day one, depending on your financing.

Unfortunately, Trump’s Big “Beautiful” Bill eliminated the 30% residential solar tax credit; however, solar can still be a good deal for families. Often, solar companies offer financing with credit unions or green lenders that have good rates, allowing you to swap your utility bill for a loan payment. After the loan is repaid, your electricity bill is free or greatly reduced for the rest of the time you live in the home.

When the tax credit was available, payback on a solar project usually took between 5-10 years (depending on where you’re located). Without the tax credit, that payback time will be a bit longer, but if you plan to stay in the house for that time, solar is still a great investment.

And, if you need an additional reason that a solar energy system is worth investing in, solar is shown to increase your home’s value by 4%.

What If Our Home Isn’t Good For Solar?

Even if rooftop solar isn’t an option for your family right now (e.g., you rent, have a shaded roof, or aren’t ready to invest), you can still benefit from solar.

In many areas, you can subscribe to a community solar program. These shared local solar projects bring you the benefits of rooftop solar if you aren’t able to put solar on your home. You’ll get credits on your electric bill and the peace of mind knowing your electricity is coming from a renewable source, not dirty fossil fuels.

Just talking to people in your neighborhood about solar can help your whole community. When more families and businesses install solar, it means less pressure on your local grid, especially during high-demand times—like around 6 p.m. when everyone’s cooking dinner, doing laundry, and blasting the A/C. Without local solar power feeding into the grid, your utility company has to buy expensive electricity from other sources to keep the lights on. But when solar is available locally, it lowers peak energy costs, making electricity more affordable and reliable for everyone—even those who don’t have solar panels themselves.

Solar energy also keeps communities healthier, which can reduce health care costs. At those peak demand times, if a grid operator has to turn on a gas-powered plant to produce the extra energy it needs, that means more pollution in that location. Clean energy brings better air quality to the whole community, especially for kids with asthma and other health concerns.

Moms Make the Message Stick — Join Us For Sun Day!

When you talk to people in your community, you’ll find that many of them don’t know much about solar, and they may still think of solar as “alternative energy.” It’s so important that the message gets through that solar is now a mainstream way to get your electricity, and it’s cheaper than buying it from the utility company. That’s what Sun Day is all about. If we’re going to give our kids a livable future, it has to be powered by renewable energy like solar and wind.

Moms are the trusted voices we need right now to spread that message to our communities. We’re natural organizers, protectors, and truth-tellers. When we host or attend a Sun Day event, we make clean energy feel real, safe, and accessible. People don’t always trust ads or installers, but they trust their neighbors—and especially moms—to tell it straight. So whether it’s busting myths, sharing your savings story, or just creating space for questions, your voice matters.

This September 21, be part of the movement: host or attend a Sun Day event and help your community see that solar is cheaper, safer, and better for our kids’ future.

Sun Day Solar Series: Is Solar Safe for My Family

Mothers Out Front — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 17:26:00 +0000

As moms, we are constantly ensuring our home is safe and healthy for our children. We don’t have much time to research new technologies. As renewable energy, especially solar, grows in popularity, it leaves many of us wondering: Are solar panels a safe option?

The short answer is: Yes, solar panels are safe, and contribute to better health outcomes for you, your family, and your community! Let’s learn why.

Understanding the Concern: Electromagnetic Fields from Solar Panels

A common concern from moms is the electromagnetic radiation (EMF) generated by solar panels. Electromagnetic radiation is a form of energy emitted by both natural and human-made sources. It includes radio waves, microwaves, and even visible light. But when it comes to solar panels, the type of EMF generated is incredibly low and poses no risk.

If you’re worried about EMF exposure, it’s worth noting that everyday devices like cell phones, microwaves, and even your Wi-Fi router all emit electromagnetic fields. Yet, most of us carry our phones in our pockets without hesitation. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), low-level EMF exposure, such as that produced by solar panels, has been extensively studied and found to have no adverse health effects. In fact, the radiation emitted by solar panels is negligible compared to everyday sources.

For families with young children or elderly members, these concerns may feel more pressing. Rest assured, the EMF levels from solar panels and associated devices like inverters and smart meters are regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and are no more harmful than the signals emitted by your cell phone or home appliances.

MYTH: Solar Panels Cause Cancer

Another common worry is whether solar panels could increase the risk of cancer. This concern often arises when people see large solar farms or residential arrays in their communities. But here’s the key point: There is no scientific evidence linking solar panels to cancer. In fact, the opposite is true. Studies consistently show that solar energy helps reduce the overall risk of cancer because it cuts down on pollution generated by burning fossil fuels.

Traditional energy sources, such as coal and natural gas, release harmful chemicals like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and mercury into the air—substances that contribute to cancer and respiratory diseases. By switching to solar, you’re reducing your exposure to these pollutants, making your home—and your neighborhood—healthier.

What’s even more encouraging is that the widespread use of solar energy on a utility scale has the potential to significantly improve air quality for entire communities. As more homes, businesses, and utilities turn to solar power, we can reduce our dependence on polluting fossil fuels, directly benefiting public health, particularly in underserved areas where fossil fuel plants are often located.

TRUTH: Solar is a Lifesaver for Our Climate and Our Health

When it comes to health, solar energy does more than just protect us from immediate pollutants. By reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, solar energy can help tackle the larger, more insidious health risks associated with climate change. As the global climate warms, we face an increase in extreme weather events like heat waves, wildfires, and floods—all of which have devastating consequences for public health.

Solar energy directly addresses these climate threats by cutting down on the greenhouse gases that fuel climate change. This helps lower the frequency and intensity of extreme weather, which is known to cause heart attacks, respiratory issues, and mental health crises.

A Cleaner, Healthier Future: Utility-Scale Solar's Role

It’s not just rooftop solar panels that are improving public health—utility-scale solar systems also have an enormous role to play. Large-scale solar farms provide clean energy to thousands of homes and businesses, reducing the need for coal plants and other fossil fuel-powered electricity sources. This large-scale shift is helping to reduce harmful emissions and improve air quality, which benefits everyone.

Utility-scale solar is also more reliable and resilient in the face of extreme weather events. As solar farms and large battery storage systems become more common, the grid can handle disruptions more effectively. This means fewer power outages during storms, keeping homes powered and ensuring that life-sustaining medical equipment can continue to run in the event of an emergency.

The Hidden Health Benefits of Solar Power at Home

In addition to improving the environment and reducing your family’s exposure to harmful pollutants, installing solar panels in your own home has tangible health benefits, particularly in times of crisis.

Energy Resilience: With a solar-powered home and battery backup, you can maintain power during blackouts, which is crucial for families that rely on medical devices, refrigerated medications, or other critical systems.
Reduced Respiratory Issues: By decreasing the need for fossil fuels, solar energy helps improve air quality, which can lead to fewer asthma attacks, less coughing, and better overall respiratory health—especially important for children and the elderly.
Lower Utility Bills, Less Stress: Financial stress can contribute to a variety of health issues, including anxiety and high blood pressure. By reducing your electricity bills with solar energy, you can take one big worry off your plate.
Community Health: In many areas, fossil fuel plants are located near lower-income communities. These plants produce toxic air pollutants that have been linked to cancer and respiratory diseases. By transitioning to solar energy, we can reduce the need for these harmful power plants and promote healthier communities.

The Hidden Health Benefits of Solar Power at Home

Switching to solar energy isn’t just a great way to save money—it’s also an investment in your family’s health. Solar panels are safe, effective, and a vital part of the solution to the climate and health crises we face. Whether you’re considering installing solar on your own roof or supporting utility-scale projects in your community, the health benefits are clear. From cleaner air and more reliable energy to reduced climate risks, solar energy is a win for your family and the planet.

Sun Day is our chance to bust myths and build trust. Moms talking to moms can be the most powerful force for change. Let’s use September 21 to share the truth and spread peace of mind. We hope you’ll host or support a Sun Day event to help us spread the word that solar makes our homes and communities safer and healthier for all!