In 2021, Maryland PIRG looks to build on progress for public health, democracy

With a new year comes new opportunities for Maryland to take bold strides on some of our most pressing challenges for the public interest.

Last year saw major Maryland PIRG-backed initiatives take effect or become law, including protections for families and firefighters against toxic flame retardants, restrictions on wasteful single-use plastic foam food containers, successful incentives for political candidates to prioritize small-donor contributions, and more.

This year, we're looking to build on that momentum and take on toxic PFAS "forever chemicals," unnecessary barriers to voting for students and active-duty military members, unfair restrictions on our right to repair the stuff we own, and the challenges that a mostly-remote legislative session will pose when it comes to the public's ability to make its case on pending legislation.

And of course, with the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to devastate communities in Maryland and across the country, we'll keep advocating for the policies on testing, mask-wearing and vaccine distribution that will best safeguard public health in the months ahead.

Read more on our campaign to address the problem of toxic PFAS chemicals in our products, food, water and air.