We need a COVID-19 testing plan that meets our current needs and implements the widespread testing public health experts say it will take to move away from social distancing.
We need a COVID-19 testing plan that meets our current needs and implements the widespread testing public health experts say it will take to move away from social distancing.
Public Health
Responding to the crisis
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, now more than ever, we need to work together to ensure that our government has a coordinated, strategic response to safeguard the public’s health, protect consumers from emerging dangers and ensure people can still participate fully in our democracy.
Consumer Tips
CALPIRG cautions consumers against false coronavirus cures
The FDA has sent 34 warning letters to companies that say their products can treat or cure COVID-19 without being able to prove those claims. CALPIRG is providing people with the information they need to avoid wasting their money on these and other coronavirus-related scams.
Solid Waste
CALPIRG Students wins major commitment from UC Berkeley to ditch single-use plastics
Thanks to our partners at CALPIRG Students, California is one step closer to moving beyond plastic. On March 12, Carol Christ, chancellor of the University of California at Berkeley, endorsed a commitment to eliminate all non-essential single-use plastic with viable alternatives by 2030.
Safe Energy
CALPIRG Students wins American Climate Leadership Awards
On March 27, CALPIRG Students was announced the winner of ecoAmerica's 2020 American Climate Leadership Awards in a virtual ceremony. The student advocates ran and won a historic campaign for a University of California system-wide commitment to 100 percent renewable energy.
We can't do it without you.
CALPIRG is your advocate for the public interest, speaking out for healthier, safer, more secure lives for all of us.
News & Research
News Release | U.S. PIRG
U.S. PIRG has joined leading consumer and banking organizations to applaud a bi-partisan Senate bill to broaden protections in the recent COVID-19 stimulus package. Under the CARES Act, Congress exempted Economic Impact Payments from offset for debts owed to federal and state agencies, except in the case of child support, but did not exempt them from court-ordered garnishment to pay creditors.
Blog Post
Most airlines are only offering vouchers, not refunds, when passengers cancel their flights due to concerns about COVID-19.
News Release | U.S. PIRG Education Fund
Consumer complaints to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) related to the coronavirus approached 50,000 on Tuesday. U.S. PIRG Education Fund has documented the actions taken by the FTC and 14 other federal agencies in response to coronavirus scams.
Blog Post
As manufacturers block access to manuals and other fix-it information, biomedical repair technicians press for reform.
News Release | CALPIRG
Today, CALPIRG delivered a letter to legislators and the governor, signed by 326 hospital repair experts, calling for manufacturers to stop withholding what technicians need to fix medical equipment like ventilators. It’s part of CALPIRG’s larger “Right to Repair” campaign, which aims to remove unnecessary barriers to repair which drive up costs for product owners and increase electronic waste.
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.