Not only do repair restrictions create extra cost for consumers, but they feed into massive amounts of waste. A bill we've worked to get introduced in the legislature could change that.
Not only do repair restrictions create extra cost for consumers, but they feed into massive amounts of waste. A bill we've worked to get introduced in the legislature could change that.
Safe Energy
Oregon's last coal plant closes 20 years ahead of deadline
In a victory for Oregon's air quality, Portland General Electric (PGE) has permanently closed its Boardman coal-fired power plant, 20 years ahead of the deadline mandated by a 2010 legal agreement to settle charges that the plant was violating the federal Clean Air Act. PGE is currently developing hydro, solar and wind projects to replace the power from the plant.
COVID-19
Nursing Home Safety During COVID: PPE Shortages
A report by U.S. PIRG Education Fund and Frontier Group found that nationally, the number of nursing homes out of PPE actually tripled between July and August.
Consumer Protection
Auto Loan Complaints Rise
A review of complaints to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) Consumer Complaint Database reveals a sharp spike in consumer complaints about auto purchasing, leasing and finance since the beginning of the pandemic.
Public Health
Responding to the COVID 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.
We can't do it without you.
OSPIRG is your advocate for the public interest, speaking out for healthier, safer, more secure lives for all of us.
News & Research
News Release | OSPIRG
With home electronics in heavy use during the ongoing pandemic, a new analysis by OSPIRG estimates that Oregon households could save $330 per year by repairing their electronics on their own or going to independent repair shops, according to the report’s analysis. This adds up to a total savings of $544 million across the state. This number may seem staggering, but so is how much we spend on new devices. As of 2019, American households spend approximately $1,480 annually purchasing new electronic products.
Blog Post
Plastic is a problem not just for our environment, but also for our health. Chemicals used to make plastics anti-microbial, flame retardant, and more, can be toxic.
News Release | US PIRG
A new analysis by the U.S. PIRG Education Fund and Frontier Group found that 8 percent of nursing homes nationwide had a critical shortage of surgical-grade N95 masks, as of Dec. 27. And 4 to 6 percent of homes reported shortages in at least one other category of PPE.
Blog Post
Shortages improved during the fall but worsened in December
News Release | U.S. PIRG
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Kathy Kraninger submitted her resignation Wednesday soon after the inauguration of new President Joe Biden. Resignation opens seat for President Biden’s new nominee Rohit Chopra.
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.