About Maryland PIRG
Our team of researchers uncover the facts; our staff bring our findings to the public, through the media as well as one-on-one interactions; and our advocates are bringing the voice of the public to the halls of power on behalf of consumers.
An Independent Voice For Consumers
Maryland PIRG is a consumer group that stands up to powerful interests whenever they threaten our health and safety, our financial security, or our right to fully participate in our democratic society.
For decades, we’ve stood up for consumers, countering the influence of big banks, insurers, chemical manufacturers and other powerful special interests.
OUR TOP PRIORITIES
Using the time-tested tools of investigative research, media exposés, grassroots organizing, advocacy and litigation, Maryland PIRG stands up to powerful interests and delivers concrete results.
AN INDEPENDENT VOICE FOR CONSUMERS
Maryland PIRG has stood up to the chemical industry to win safeguards against toxic consumer products. We've won bans on BPA in baby bottles and formula cans, lead and cadmium in children's toys, and toxic flame retardants used in household products. >LEARN MORE
DON'T TRASH MARYLAND
Maryland throws away 3 billion recyclable beverage containers a year, which means needless litter, landfilling, and incineration. It is bad for the environment and public health. >LEARN MORE
PROTECTING CONSUMERS
After the financial crisis, we spearheaded the fight to create the Consumer Protection Financial Bureau, which recently forced Capital One to pay back consumers $140 million in unfair credit card fees. >LEARN MORE
What's New
The Food and Drug Administration proposed a rule today that would require new warnings for cigarette packages that depict the health risks of smoking.
The number of statewide plastic bag bans in the U.S. tripled in June, with Maine, Vermont, Connecticut and Oregon adding themselves to the list.
Adam Garber, the PIRG consumer watchdog, was shocked when he discovered recalled baby rockers at his infant son's day care this June.
Equifax has agreed to pay $650 million two years after its data breach put 147 million people at risk. It's not enough.
We've been telling everybody who will listen that the companies that make electronics and other products should make it easier to repair your stuff. In July, we got to tell the Federal Trade Commission...
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, our governor 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.
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Your donation supports Maryland PIRG's work to stand up for consumers on the issues that matter, especially when powerful interests are blocking progress.