About U.S. PIRG
Our team of researchers uncovers the facts; our staff bring our findings to the public, through the media as well as one-on-one interactions; and our advocates bring the voice of the public to the halls of power on behalf of consumers.
An Independent Voice For Consumers
U.S. PIRG is an advocate for the public interest, working to win concrete results on real problems that affect millions of lives, and standing up for the public against powerful interests when they push the other way.
The problems we face don’t care if you’re a liberal or a conservative, or if you live in a red or blue state — they affect each and every one of us. That’s why, for decades, we’ve taken a non-partisan, fact-driven, results-oriented approach to our work. And with your help, we can take on the difficult challenges ahead.
Our Top Priorities
Using the time-tested tools of investigative research, media exposés, grassroots organizing, advocacy and litigation, U.S. PIRG stands up to powerful interests and delivers concrete results.
| We can keep our consumer cop on Wall Street In the wake of the Great Recession, we helped create the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to be our watchdog on Wall Street. But now, Congress is trying to weaken or eliminate it. We need to keep our consumer cop on the financial beat. >LEARN MORE |
| STOP THE OVERUSE OF ANTIBIOTICS The overuse of antibiotics on farms is contributing to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, threatening the health of millions every year. We're calling on states to address this growing public health threat. >LEARN MORE |
| BAN ROUNDUP New studies link the chemicals in Monsanto's Roundup to cancer and other serious health problems. We're calling on cities and counties across the country to ban Roundup unless and until it's proven safe. >LEARN MORE |
| DEMOCRACY FOR THE PEOPLE We're putting regular voters back in the driver’s seat of our democracy by increasing the influence of small donors in elections, overturning Citizens United, and modernizing how we register to vote. >LEARN MORE |
U.S. PIRG Staff
U.S. PIRG is an advocate for the public interest. When consumers are cheated, or the voices of ordinary citizens are drowned out by special interest lobbyists, U.S. PIRG speaks up and takes action. We uncover threats to public health and well-being and fight for the public interest.
Funded By Our Citizen Members
Thousands of U.S. PIRG members and supporters fund the staff who conduct research, public education and advocacy on the issues. Members provide the clout we need to win real results.
The chart below reflects the final audited financial information for United States Public Interest Research Group, Inc. and United States Public Interest Research Group Education Fund, Inc..
FY17 Expenses 72% Program |
What's New
Last month, Florida became the last state to make public its draft plan for spending the Volkswagen settlement money. Every state in the nation has received money from Volkswagen's historic settlement with federal authorities over emissions control violations in the automakers "clean diesel" vehicles. Florida's share is $166 million. While the plan commits to new funding for electric vehicle charging infrastructure, the plan dedicates the rest of the diesel mitigation funding to the purchase of new diesel vehicles. We urged the state to amend the plan so that the funding is focused exclusively on electric vehicles.”
The Food and Drug Administration proposed a rule today that would require new warnings for cigarette packages that depict the health risks of smoking.
New guide will help students cut costs on textbooks, computers and more
Every day, millions of kids are dropped off at child care facilities across the country by parents and caretakers who are looking forward to seeing them safe and sound at the end of the day. But new research found some dangerous recalled products are still in use at child care facilities across the country.
Consumer Tips | U.S. PIRG
Deadly sleepers still in use at daycares
Our Consumer Watchdog team found 1-in-10 daycare centers using recalled sleepers that have killed more than 30 children.
Public Health | U.S. PIRG
Ban Roundup
As cancer victims hold Monsanto accountable in court, governors should act to ban Roundup unless and until it's proven safe.
Antibiotics | U.S. PIRG
Another chain commits to reduce antibiotics
By committing to a concrete timeline for reducing antibiotic use in its beef supply chain, Taco Bell is taking an important step to help preserve these life-saving medicines. We're calling on Wendy's to follow their lead. Learn more.
Consumer Tips | U.S. PIRG
Capital One exposes 100 million to identity theft in largest-ever bank hack
Coming on top of the settlement of the massive Equifax data breach, the Capital One breach should serve as a wakeup call to all consumers to hit freeze on their financial identity today to ensure they are protected. Here's how.
Support Us
Your donation supports U.S. PIRG’s work to stand up for consumers on the issues that matter, especially when powerful interests are blocking progress.