President Biden put a pause on 18 Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) export approvals last year to allow the Department of Energy (DOE) to do a study that was released just before the holidays. He was acting on the calls made by environmental and climate advocates and all of you who added your voices via petitions and many other actions. We argued that the DOE was failing to do its job of determining if proposed LNG projects are in the public interest. The analysis released last month was refreshingly frank it its findings that, indeed, they are not in the public interest at all and that they are unnecessary to boot! Secretary Granholm's statement provides a concise overview of the study's conclusions. Unfortunately, the study did not prompt the Biden administration to use the analysis to reject pending and future LNG export projects. The controversial pause found its way into the presidential campaign when Donald Trump vowed to undo it and approve the projects when he takes office. The study's release triggered a 60-day comment period that is scheduled to end on February 18. This petition will be submitted to the docket, but it's not enough. Here's why: - We don't know if Trump will terminate the comment period on January 20. Therefore, we need to gather as many comments as we can by January 19. - We don't know if Trump will take down the comments already submitted. - We do know that a petition, even if it's signed by a million people, will only count as one comment (it's something in a category of things I call Stupid Regulator Tricks). Although they don't count as separate comments, a large number of signatures gets regulators' attention. Given what we do know and what we can only guess about at this point, we're asking everyone to take the additional step of submitting an individual comment to urge the administration to reject the pending projects. That way, the comments will be counted if Trump doesn't remove them. We've come up with a way of collecting comments that makes it easy for you to submit one and allows us to store your documents if he does remove them. Your comments will be valuable for judges to consider in the court cases that will surely ensue. You can use what we're calling our EZ form here. If you prefer to submit a comment directly to Regulations.gov, you can find it here. We ask that you sign our petition even if you don't want to submit an individual comment. We'll post it to the docket on January 19.

Science for the Public Good: An Open Letter to the 119th Congress I am asking you to defend the science and scientists that keep Americans safe. The Trump administration's current agenda promises to eviscerate the protections that Americans count on and support: clean air and water; safe food and medicine; products that won't harm us; and protection from extreme weather and other damaging effects of climate change. Without strong federal science, people will suffer, and historically marginalized communities will continue to bear the burden of these harms. Independent science can inform strong public policy that puts the health, safety and welfare of Americans first. Protecting rigorous and independent science is a common-sense, nonpartisan goal. The reason behind the Trump administration's radical proposals to sideline science and scientists is crystal clear: science stands in the way of polluters and special interests unleashing unprecedented amounts of pollution that would put short-term profits over people, no matter the cost to current and future generations of Americans. The next stretch of the Trump administration will be absolutely essential for taking action that can save science that saves lives. Science supporters in your district and state are mobilizing to fight back and prevent the politicization of science and firing of scientists who help protect our families and communities. This is a critical time to show the administration that members of Congress of both parties are united in championing the science that helps protect the communities they represent. I am asking for your support.

Mr. Aliou Bah was arrested on December 26, 2024. He is a father of young children, a husband, and a hope for millions of Guineans around the world to bring freedom and democracy to the West African Nation. He was arrested because he speaks openly for the return of democratic systems in Guinea, freedom and the rule of law. Help save this man's life.

This was an incredibly destructive and dark event in the CalPERS history, to allow pensioners who paid into the CalPERS system for decades to hang in the wind with 63% of their planned retirement taken away.    ·       Contracts were Irresponsible: CalPERS wrote pension contracts with well over 170 public Joint Powers Authorities (JPA).  CalPERS staff wrote these contracts (building growth for the CalPERS fund) never making the JPA Founding Cities responsible for the CalPERS pensions. Without such a provision, the JPA employees had no knowledge of the peril their pension accounts were in.  There was no way the JPA’s would fund their pension accounts in perpetuity.  Developing CalPERS contracts,  without a means to continue pension plan payments, was an irresponsible and horrendous error!    ·       No Social Security: We are/were public servants, who faithfully paid for decades into our PERS retirement accounts, and we deserved our full pensions. Our pensions have been slashed (since 2016) for reasons we had absolutely no control over. Additionally, the majority of us were prohibited from contributing to Social Security (couldn’t contribute to both SS and PERS) so we have no Social Security pensions to fall back on. Many have had to go back to work late in life, and everyone will be working into our 70’s and 80’s and never make up this retire. Ghost Pensioners Included in Termination Fee:   CalPERS has applied absurd assumptions against us, and we are paying the price of “ghost pensioners” who will never be a cost to CalPERS:   1) The ESGVC $18M “termination fee” has been grossly inflated by the CalPERS Actuary, as follows: calculated in the $18M termination “projection”,  are many “ghost pensioners” who are deemed a “potential future cost”.  The “ghost pensioners” are individuals who were never vested in CalPERS to start with, or withdrew ALL their funds from their PERS account (when they left public employment), but CalPERS says they MIGHT come back into the PERS system at some point in their lifetime.  Additionally, CalPERS is applying an interest penalty of 2.8% to the Termination  Fee of $18M, when it is CalPERS' shortcomings that caused this contract to exist in the first place.  Legislators:  Fortunately, for all rest of the JPA employees in the State of California, AB 1912 was passed to assure that what happened to the ESGVC pensioners doesn’t happen again.  However,  AB1912 did not resove the ESGVC pensioners devastation.  ESGVC was excluded from eligibility for AB1912.  

ABC 7 Chicago story that aired on 12/16/24 regarding Andy. https://youtu.be/KstKbAZ4-wQ?si=kAqwB_Szli--yc9K

Wrongful conviction upon misrepresentation is an issue in our judicial system. Lamar’s public defender didn’t call any of his witnesses to the stand. Not 1 from twelve who were willing to speak in his defense. Lamar was told none of the witnesses were notified by the public defender to testify. Hopefully Lamar’s plight can bring awareness to  other misrepresented cases and give a voice to others who do not have a voice. 

A dangerous attempt to undermine one of our democracy's fundamental safeguards is playing out before our very eyes: Trump is demanding that the Senate forgo its constitutional duty to vet and confirm his nominees for crucial government positions — including Secretary of State, Defense, Education, and more. He’d reportedly implement an unprecedented and brazen use of presidential authority to make it happen: Under a bad-faith reading of Article II of the Constitution, the president could potentially force Congress to adjourn and use his presidential authority to recess-appoint his Cabinet while they’re out. Without Senate scrutiny, there would be no public hearings, no tough questions, and no way to stop dangerous, ill-fitted nominees from leading our federal agencies. The resulting harm could take decades to undo, and we’re not about to let it happen without a fight that starts today. Incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and too many of his Republican colleagues seem willing to abdicate their constitutional responsibility, but that’s where constituents like you come in, and remind them to do their job.

As a student body, we demand immediate action to address these issues and improve mental health services at UW Madison. Specifically, we call on the administration to: 1. Hire more professional counselors: Increase the number of qualified therapists who specialize in addressing serious mental health concerns. 2. Provide face-to-face counseling: Virtual or phone-only sessions are not enough. Students need in-person services to build trust and meaningful connections. 3. Reduce wait times: Expand staffing and resources to ensure students can access help when they need it, without unnecessary delays. 4. Invest in mental health resources: Enhance outreach, workshops, and student support programs to proactively address mental health concerns. 5. We cannot allow these issues to persist. Delayed or inadequate care can lead to devastating consequences. As students, we are advocating for our right to access high-quality, accessible mental health care on campus. By signing this petition, you are joining the fight for a healthier, more supportive UW Madison. Let’s ensure that every student feels seen, valued, and supported. Together, we can build a campus culture that prioritizes mental health and well-being. Sign this petition to demand change now. Share your voice and make an impact. [Sign Here]

1. Human Rights: Advocacy Supporting Christopher Hunter’s case is a stand for the fundamental rights of all individuals, emphasizing the importance of compassion and justice within the legal system. 2. Awareness of Injustice: This campaign highlights issues related to unjust sentencing, prison conditions, and the need for reform in the criminal justice system, raising awareness about systemic problems that affect many. 3. Compassionate Approach: Advocating for compassionate release underscores the value of empathy and understanding in our society, promoting a more humane approach to justice. 4. Community Solidarity: By joining this campaign, individuals can demonstrate solidarity with those affected by the criminal justice system, fostering community support and connection around shared values of fairness and compassion. 5. Potential for Change: Campaigns like this can lead to significant changes in policy and practice, potentially benefiting not only Christopher but also others in similar situations who deserve a second chance. 6. Mobilizing for Justice: Collective action can amplify the call for Christopher's release, making it more difficult for authorities to ignore the demands for justice and compassion. 7. Inspiration for Others: Taking part in this campaign can inspire others to advocate for those who are marginalized or wrongfully treated, creating a ripple effect of activism and awareness. By joining the campaign for Christopher Hunter’s compassionate release, individuals can be part of a movement that seeks to correct injustices and promote a more compassionate society.

A shocking number of innocent people have been sentenced to death. And the tragic reality is that capital punishment is imposed mostly on poor people who cannot afford to hire an effective lawyer. And while proponents claim the death penalty is a crime deterrent and keeps us safer, that doesn't seem to be the case, according to the National Research Council of the National Academies. After more than three decades of research examining whether the threat of a death sentence deters people from committing aggravated murders, there is no reliable evidence that the death penalty deters murder.  Add your name today to urge President Biden to commute all federal death sentences before he leaves office.

Why This Change is Important   Family unity is a core value of the United States, and the current waiting times for sibling immigration visas undermine this principle. Currently, U.S. citizens may wait 15 to 20 years or more to bring their siblings to the U.S., an unreasonable delay that creates long-term separation and hardship. This delay is not just an inconvenience; it is an emotional and financial burden for families.   Facts: Emotional Impact: Families are forced to live with the distress of separation for decades, often missing out on critical life moments. Important family events—weddings, births, illnesses, and even funerals—occur without the support of siblings who are still waiting for immigration approval. Economic Impact: Families are often separated across borders, which creates financial burdens as relatives who might have supported each other are unable to reunite and share resources. When families are finally reunited, they often face economic challenges, which could be alleviated by reducing the wait times.   Family Support Systems: A reduction in the wait time would allow families to reunite sooner, making it easier for siblings to share responsibilities for caring for aging parents or helping each other with childcare.   The Human Side:   Take, for example, the case of Mohamed, a U.S. citizen living in Michigan. He has been waiting for nearly 18 years to reunite with his sister in Egypt. During this time, his sister has missed the births of his children, their graduations, and even important family events like weddings. The emotional toll on Mohamed and his family is immense, but they are powerless to change the system. Like Mohamed, millions of other U.S. citizens are facing the same heart-wrenching wait.   Why Should Others Join in the Campaign?   1. Support for Family Unity:   Many Americans understand the value of being with family in times of need. By reducing wait times, we ensure that families can come together sooner, providing mutual support in difficult times. Family reunification benefits everyone—not just the immigrants but also U.S. citizens who want to build their lives with the support of their loved ones. 2. Humanitarian Reasoning:   The U.S. prides itself on being a nation of immigrants. By advocating for change, we align with the values that make America a beacon of hope for families around the world. Speeding up the immigration process for siblings ensures that the U.S. remains a compassionate and welcoming nation that values families. 3. Economic Benefits for the Country:   When families are united, they can more easily contribute to the U.S. economy. Whether it’s through work, investing in local communities, or contributing to the country’s cultural diversity, family reunification strengthens our nation as a whole.   A Call for Action:   This is not just about policy—it's about families. People all across the U.S. are living with the pain of long separations. With your support, we can change the law to ensure that the immigration process for siblings is fair, timely, and humane. Together, we can advocate for a change that unites families sooner, strengthens our communities, and ensures a more just immigration system for all. Join this campaign because family should not have to wait 20 years to be together. Let’s work together to make the U.S. immigration system fairer and more compassionate for everyone.

Whether it’s allegations of sexual assault, concerns about heavy drinking, lack of experience, extremist ties, or past suggestions that the troops should be deployed against protestors and political opponents, one thing is crystal clear: Hegseth is unfit for the role. The Secretary of Defense oversees the largest and most powerful military in the world – and the bloated, too-powerful Pentagon bureaucracy that comes with it. This role demands, at the very least, a leader who prioritizes people’s well-being, has a willingness to root out corruption, understands the military should be a tool of last resort, and approaches our common security with seriousness and responsibility. We knew that would be a tall order for the incoming president, but Hegseth’s record not only falls embarrassingly short, it makes him a potential threat to the safety and security of millions of people, here at home and around the globe. The good news? Multiple outlets are reporting that Hegseth’s nomination is on the rocks. One senator told Politico, the prospects for his confirmation are "bad and getting worse.”[1] When you speak out to your senators today, your voice can tip the scales to derail his appointment before it even begins.  We cannot allow extremist rhetoric, scandal, and unqualified leadership to take root in the Department of Defense. Urge your Senators to reject Pete Hegseth’s nomination.