Healthy Climate Wisconsin: U.S. Rep. Moore and Milwaukee public health and climate leaders celebrate federal investments in the Love My Air Program

(Milwaukee, Wisconsin) – Today, U.S. Congresswoman Gwen Moore and public health and climate leaders toured the Love My Air Program at Hephatha Lutheran Church and celebrated the second anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act, which provides funding for the program. Families were on hand to talk about how air monitoring and education have helped them deal with asthma.

“Love My Air Wisconsin is grateful to partner with Hephatha Lutheran Church by providing educational resources about outdoor air quality and its effects on health, along with tools to collect real-time outdoor air quality data,” said Sarah Kroening, program manager for Love My Air. “Hephatha is using these resources to enhance their members’ understanding of localized outdoor air quality, impacts on members living with respiratory health issues and collective action steps. Love My Air Wisconsin is honored to support any organization working to improve the health of the community.”

Several elementary schools in Milwaukee also participate in the Love My Air Program, including Hopkins Lloyd Community School which developed the partnership with Hephatha Lutheran Church. School and church staff can use real-time air quality data to make informed decisions about children’s exposure to poor air quality as well as provide asthma resources and teach families about the importance of breathing clean air. Teachers can also incorporate the air quality data into lesson plans to provide hands-on, practical learning opportunities for students. 

“Every child and adult in Wisconsin deserves to breathe safe, healthy air. Exposure to air pollution causes increased infant mortality, cardiovascular disease, asthma, diabetes, cognitive impairments, and premature death. That’s why it’s so important that we monitor what we are breathing, stop burning fossil fuels, and transition to clean energy as quickly as possible,” said Abby Novinska Lois, the executive director of Healthy Climate Wisconsin. 

The event also celebrated the second anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which provides partial funding for the Love My Air Program. 

“Environmental justice is at the heart of building healthier communities, and the Inflation Reduction Act plays a crucial role in funding critical programs like Love My Air. This initiative empowers our communities with essential tools and knowledge to monitor air quality and take actionable steps to protect their health. By prioritizing clean air, we are fostering a future where every individual can thrive without the burden of environmental hazards. Faith in Place is proud to support this vital work and continue our commitment to environmental justice for all,” said Alexander Malchow, Wisconsin Policy Coordinator for Faith in Place.

Jayne Black, Wisconsin field organizer for Moms Clean Air Force, added, “Moms Clean Air Force worked tirelessly to get the Inflation Reduction Act passed. Events like this one are essential to ensuring the community knows about the historic IRA funding that’s available to help create a clean air future for our children.”

The Love My Air celebration at the church was organized by Love My Air Wisconsin,  Hephatha Lutheran Church, Healthy Climate Wisconsin, Faith in Place, Moms Clean Air Force, the National Wildlife Federation, 350 Wisconsin, and the Climate Action Campaign.