Highlights from the Moms Clean Air Force "Play-In" for Climate Action
We are excited to share the highlights from the recent "Play-In" for Climate Action held in Washington, D.C with our partners at Moms Clean Air Force. This inspiring event brought together families from across the country to advocate for stronger climate policies and cleaner air for our children.
On July 23rd, parents, children, and environmental advocates gathered at the nation's capital to participate in this year's "Play-In" for Climate Action. The day was filled with educational activities and powerful speeches, all aimed at urging our leaders to take decisive action against climate change.
Livingston’s Eva Lighthiser, a plaintiff in Held v. State of Montana, was asked to come and speak. Eva took the stage to share her personal experiences and the urgent need for climate action.
Eva speaking at the televised press conference
Eva spoke about her journey as a youth plaintiff, the environmental challenges faced in Montana, and the landmark victory in their climate lawsuit. She highlighted the extreme weather events she’s experienced in Livingston and emphasized the importance of protecting our constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment. Here is an excerpt from her speech:
"I still remember the anticipation. I was both incredibly excited and very nervous to testify. However, when it came time to sit beside Judge Seeley, my testimony felt simple. I was sharing my life story, and how climate change affects it. My co-plaintiffs and I are the latest generation in a long line of people who love and care for Montana’s healthy environment. While it’s exhausting to dwell on the worsening impacts of climate change, none of us are alone. I think the best way to get something started is simply by having a conversation. So use your voice. Speak up and hold your decision makers accountable. It matters."
Post press conference, the participants took a brand-new electric school bus to Capitol Hill – very similar to the two buses the Livingston School District will be getting this fall!
Later that afternoon, Eva and I had an opportunity to visit with some of the members of Montana’s delegation. Eva told her story, and I had a chance to discuss some of the local issues PCEC is working on and how their decisions and resources are showing up in our community.
On Wednesday morning, we hiked the hill again, this time to participate in Montana Coffee. It’s a weekly gathering of Montana’s entire delegation. Montana is the only state in the country that has a constituent coffee that includes our entire delegation. So if you find yourself in Washington D.C. on a Wednesday morning, I highly encourage you to attend and meet your decision-makers.
And in a really unique experience, we connected with Dr. Kirk Johnson, Executive Director of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. He showed us some of his favorite exhibits and gave us a glimpse behind the scenes at the world's most popular natural history museum dedicated to understanding the natural world and our place in it. It was unforgettable!
