We the People Wednesdays Action for November 12, 2025

ACTION 1:

In May of this year, the EPA announced that it would be eliminating Energy Star, a popular program whose iconic blue labels help consumers to choose energy efficient appliances, due to its connection to climate work.  This drew pushback from dozens of business leaders and Congressional Republicans, who noted that the program has long received bipartisan support.  The New York Times reported last week that the EPA is now weighing options for keeping Energy Star in some form, although a final decision has not been made.

Write to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to retain  Energy Star. Sample text:

Dear Mr. Zeldin,

  I urge you to retain the Energy Star program because of its value to both consumers and businesses.

Thank you,

<your name and zip code>

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin

1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.

Washington, DC 20460

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ACTION 2:

Last week federal district judge Sara Ellis castigated the Department of Homeland Security for its aggressive use of force during an illegal immigration crackdown in Chicago, banning the use of tear gas and other crowd-control weapons “unless necessary to stop the immediate threat of physical harm.”  Her injunction ordered federal agents to wear body cameras, give at least two audible warnings before using riot control weapons, and to use those weapons only to “preserve life or prevent catastrophic outcomes.”  Judge Ellis said the restrictions were necessary because immigration agents in Chicago had pointed guns at civilians who were not presenting a physical threat, used pepper spray, deployed tear gas and shot pepper balls.

Write to thank Judge Ellis.  Sample text:

Dear Judge Ellis,

  Thank you for enforcing limits on the use of force by immigration agents.

Sincerely,

<your name and zip code>

The Honorable Sara Ellis

1718 Dirksen Bldg.

219 S. Dearborn St.

Chicago, IL  60604