Winning Concrete Results

Strengthening Energy Efficiency 

In 2007, Maryland PIRG helped pass energy efficiency standards for 7 household and commercial appliances, including walk-in refrigerators and freezers as well as furnaces installed in new homes. The bill will save consumers millions of dollars in energy costs.

Protecting Public Health

Maryland PIRG helped pass legislation to make restaurants and bars in Maryland smoke-free. The law takes effect February 1, 2008 and makes Maryland the 18th state to go smoke-free in all public places.

Strengthening Our Democracy

Maryland PIRG helped pass a law that requires online disclosure of campaign contributions. Then in 2007, Maryland PIRG helped ensure election integrity by requiring Maryland's voting machines to generate back-up paper records to verify the electronic tally.

Tackling ID Theft

Maryland PIRG helped protect consumers from identity theft by passing two measures in 2007: a security freeze which allows you to put a lock on your credit report, and a law that requires a company notify you when a data breach occurs.

Increasing Renewable Energy

In 2004, the Maryland PIRG-backed Clean Energy bill was signed into law by then Gov. Robert Ehrlich, requiring Maryland utilities to ramp up the amount of renewable energy they use from less than one percent to 7.5 percent by 2018.

Promoting Cheaper Prescription Drugs

Maryland PIRG's 2006 report, “Paying the Price,” found that uninsured consumers in Baltimore pay 62 percent more for drugs purchased at their local pharmacy than the federal government. Maryland PIRG continues to work to pass legislation for a prescription drug buying pool.

Breaking The Debt Cycle

In 2003, Maryland PIRG helped pass the Maryland Debt Management Services Act to stop companies that were posing as nonprofit consumer assistance groups and driving people further into debt. These companies must now be licensed and cannot charge unreasonable fees.