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 Maryland Public Interest Research Group (Maryland PIRG), a non-profit, non-partisan advocate for the public interest, monitors the voting records of Maryland’s state legislators. Do your legislators support the public interest? Our 2019 State Legislative Scorecard reviews their votes on key public interest issues, including those listed on our 2019 Legislative Agenda.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today that discount stores T.J. Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods sold 19 different recalled products to consumers between 2014 and 2019. In the case of five products, the stores’ parent company TJX initiated the recall. The products included the Rock ‘N Play and Kids II inclined infant sleepers, which are responsible for a number of fatalities, rattles that can break and pose a choking hazard, and electronics that overheat or explode.
Get ready for some alarming stories—and they're all the more alarming because they're true.
On Nov. 14, U.S. PIRG and the Antibiotic Resistance Action Center (ARAC) of George Washington University launched "Superbugs Unplugged," a podcast that will dive into the alarming issue of antibiotic resistance and how we can slow it. Matt Wellington, our Stop the Overuse of Antibiotics campaign director, is co-hosting the podcast, along with Dr. Lance Price of ARAC.
Recycling challenges vary across the country, but, overall, states are failing to both reduce unnecessary waste and adjust to a changing recycling landscape, according to a new study from U.S. PIRG Education Fund and Environment America Research & Policy Center.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released its new Antibiotic Resistance Threats in the United States report, which estimates at least 35,000 Americans die annually from infections that antibiotics can no longer effectively treat.
Consumer Protection
Watch out for unsafe toys this holiday season
Our annual “Trouble in Toyland” report found toys with choking hazards, recalled toys still for sale, toxics in slime and more.
Antibiotics
Superbugs Unplugged: PIRG launches podcast about antibiotic resistance
Get ready for some alarming stories—and they're all the more alarming because they're true. On Nov. 14, U.S. PIRG and the Antibiotic Resistance Action Center (ARAC) of George Washington University launched "Superbugs Unplugged," a podcast that will dive into the alarming issue of rising antibiotic resistance.
Public Health
Ban Roundup
As cancer victims hold Monsanto accountable in court, governors should act to ban Roundup unless and until it's proven safe.
Consumer Protection
Consumer Alert: Heartburn medication recalled due to carcinogen concerns
If you frequently use Zantac (ranitidine) or a generic version to treat heartburn, you should check if it's a Dr. Reddy’s, Perrigo or Sanofi product and immediately consult your doctor, says PIRG Consumer Watchdog Adam Garber.
Support us
Your donation supports Maryland PIRG's work to stand up for consumers on the issues that matter, especially when powerful interests are blocking progress.