Greetings, everyone. It’s been a month of snow and cold since I last checked in. A throwback winter, like the ones I grew up with here in Connecticut. I’ve enjoyed walking the dogs through the winterland of Elizabeth Park. It’s brought back memories too, such as when I fell face first in the deep snow in my back yard when I was about three. I lost one of my mittens as I dug myself out of the snow and was crying about it to my mother when I got back to the house. But then, amazingly, our dog came in through the back door with my mitten in his mouth!

 

I have to say though, as I’ve walked with the dogs I’ve also been wondering how many more winters like this I’m going to see and how many fewer my kids and their kids are going to enjoy. “Real Winters” have been fewer and farther between for sure, and, everyone reading this at least, knows that trend is going to continue.

 

To reference a song by the great Gil Scott Heron, it is “Winter in America” in many other ways as well. In action after action, the Trump administration is ignoring the reality of climate change and trying to kill clean energy. Nothing epitomizes this more than the Trump Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recent decision to revoke the “Endangerment Finding” on greenhouse gases. The EPA’s Endangerment Finding provided the legal and scientific basis for the federal government to regulate the emission of greenhouse gases, and its repeal (if it stands) means that such emissions will no longer be federally regulated. This reckless and dangerous action by the Trump administration is hostile to the health and welfare of the American people and is, obviously, a major setback in our fight against climate change.

 

But notwithstanding the almost absurd level of nihilism exhibited by the Trump administration and its enablers in congress, I take heart from a story I heard recently about how a group of activists have responded to another action taken by this administration. 

 

We have all witnessed what has been happening in Minnesota this winter. One aspect of the operation of which I was not aware until recently, involves how people are being released from the Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis after being detained. Apparently, such individuals are being released at all times of day, every day, without phones or IDs and wearing whatever clothes they were in when they were taken into custody (even if that means no coat or shoes). And since detainees are not allowed phone calls in detention, no one is waiting for them when they are released, often in an emotional state after what they just experienced.

 

After observing this situation at the Whipple building, local residents organized a group called Haven Watch. Members of Haven Watch wait outside the Whipple building every day to meet newly released people and help them get home, contact loved ones and stay safe from the cold.  It’s not easy work. It’s the middle of winter, and Haven Watch volunteers have to be at the building 24/7 because they don’t know when people will be released. They also have worked out logistics of how best to help, such as providing released detainees with burner phones. In turn, local businesses have provided support to the volunteers with donations of things like food and gas cards.

 

The Haven Watch volunteers show how people can rise to the occasion and how the human spirit can triumph in times of crisis.  I see that in the work of the Sierra Club at the national level and in the efforts of our Connecticut Chapter as well. We are also aiding people in our fight for clean water and air, a healthy environment, and a safe climate. Nationally, for example, the Sierra Club has filed suit against the Trump EPA to defend the greenhouse gas Endangerment Finding and the rules that cut tailpipe pollution. Locally, our Chapter is working with our legislative allies on important legislation, advancing clean energy, fighting against gas pipeline expansion, and promoting conservation of Remington Woods and beyond. I encourage you to read this month’s articles on this work.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image: Fighting for legislation for a Climate Superfund.

 

And speaking of shows of force for the common good of the people, the next No Kings events will take place around the country on Saturday, March 28. Find events happening in Connecticut. 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image: No Kings rally signs

 

The Connecticut Chapter of the Sierra Club will have a presence at these events, and we hope to see everyone there. We’re all in this together.

 

Our Chapter is also planning a Community, Music & Action get together on April 22 for Earth Day 2026. RSVP here. Stay tuned for more details on that!

 

In the meantime, I hope you all stay active and well over the coming month. I know it's winter in Connecticut right now, but next time I check in, it will be spring!

 

With solidarity and care,

 

Mike Ungaro

Chapter Chair of Sierra Club Connecticut