Standing Up For Taxpayers And Homeowners
When Congress rushed to pass the $700 billion bailout for Wall Street banks, Arizona PIRG staff warned that the law lacked protections for taxpayers and assistance to homeowners. With the help of our national federation, we advocated for holding bankers and regulators accountable for how they spent the tax dollars they received.
Saving Money By Saving Energy
Consumers and businesses in Arizona will save an estimated $680 million on their energy bills after Arizona PIRG-backed legislation that sets minimum energy-efficiency standards on 12 appliances was signed into law. This legislation will also help reduce water consumption by more than 15 billion gallons.
Promoting Youth Voter Participation
In the 2008 presidential election, 3.4 million more 18-to 29-year-olds voted than in 2004, resulting in the largest number of young voters on record. Arizona PIRG helped to lead a nonpartisan effort by the Arizona Student Vote Coalition to increase youth voter registration and turnout in the 2008 election.
Preparing The Way For 21st Century Transportation
Arizona needs 21st century transportation solutions that address the faltering economy while reducing traffic and air pollution. In 2008, the Arizona PIRG Education Fund released a report, “A Better Way to Go,” which outlines the benefits of transit projects in Arizona.
Stopping Identity Theft
In the wake of failures in data security, Arizona PIRG has been promoting policies to protect consumers’ identity and credit. In 2008, the state passed an Arizona PIRG-backed security freeze law, which gives individuals the right to put a security freeze on their credit files.
Keeping Our Families Safe From Dangerous Products
Those who violate product safety laws will face stiff fines and penalties, and hazardous products will be removed from store shelves more quickly, under a landmark law championed by Arizona PIRG in 2008.
Bringing Cleaner Cars To Arizona
After a unanimous recommendation by a diverse advisory group and overwhelming support at public hearings, Arizona adopted the Arizona PIRG- supported Clean Cars Program, which will reduce health-damaging pollution from automobiles.
Holding Drugmakers Accountable For Safety
As drug companies aggressively market their products, they also cover up the side effects, as we saw with the scandals surrounding Vioxx, Paxil and Avandia. In 2007, the president signed an Arizona PIRG-backed law that makes drugs safer, and prevents pharmaceutical companies from keeping important clinical information from doctors.
