Democracy
Public interest bills on the move in Annapolis
Maryland lawmakers are advancing several PIRG-backed bills to improve our democracy by increasing civic participation for student and military voters, improving mail-in voting, increasing access to early voting, and funding a small donor public financing program for candidates for governor. And the General Assembly is taking on other key public interest issues as well, from plastic waste to energy efficiency.
Solid Waste
Nation's strongest plastic waste bill returns to Congress
The Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act would install a national bottle bill, ban some of the worst single-use plastics, and shift more financial responsibility for collecting and processing plastic waste onto plastics producers.
Tell Whole Foods: Move Beyond Plastic
Whole Foods has led on plastics in the past, but the company recently got an "F" in a report by As You Sow for failing to tackle plastic pollution. Tell Whole Foods' CEO to get rid single-use plastics in its stores.
Public Health
Maryland PIRG looks to build on progress for public health, democracy
Last year saw major Maryland PIRG-backed initiatives take effect or become law. In 2021, we’re looking to take on toxic PFAS "forever chemicals," unnecessary barriers to voting, unfair restrictions on our right to repair the stuff we own, the myriad challenges Marylanders face as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and more.
We can't do it without you.
Maryland PIRG is your advocate for the public interest, speaking out for healthier, safer, more secure lives for all of us.
News & Research
Blog Post
When consumers don’t have time to wait for authorized repair, they shouldn’t be faulted for finding alternatives.
Blog Post
This year there were hundreds of policies discussed which could safeguard public health, protect consumers in the marketplace, transform our energy and transportation systems, remove toxic threats, stop wasteful spending, revitalize our democracy, and protect Maryland’s environment.
News Release | Maryland PIRG and Environment Maryland
ANNAPOLIS — The Maryland legislature wrapped up it’s 2021 session Monday without passing the Climate Solutions Now Act.
News Release | Maryland PIRG and Environment Maryland
ANNAPOLIS — The Maryland legislature wrapped up it’s 2021 session on Monday without passing the Plastic Bag Reduction Act.
News Release | Maryland PIRG and Common Cause Maryland
Annapolis - The Maryland legislature wrapped up its 2021 session on Monday after passing the Maryland Fair Elections Act, a bipartisan bill to update and fund the state's small donor public financing program for gubernatorial candidates. The Senate version of the bill was sponsored by Chairman Paul Pinsky (SB415), and the House companion bill was sponsored by Del. Jessica Feldmark (HB424).
RESOURCE
Coronavirus update
In the midst of the coronavirus outbreak, we’ve taken steps for all of our staff to work remotely for safety reasons. But rest assured, we’ll keep advocating for you as we work for a healthier, safer world.
Learn more about how we can work together to address the COVID-19 pandemic.