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Transit Funding, Projects Get Boost 3/17/2008

Atlanta, GA – Transit funding received a boost today as advocates and citizen supporters held an event at the state capitol releasing a new report on oil savings and other benefits from public transportation across the country. The Georgia PIRG report, A Better Way to Go: Meeting America’s 21st Century Transportation Challenges with Modern Public Transit, examines the challenges faced by America’s transportation system and the benefits of existing rail and bus projects in Atlanta and across Georgia.

Georgia PIRG Alerts Shoppers to Hidden Toy Hazards 11/20/2007

Atlanta, GA—Hazardous toys are still sold in stores across the country, according to the 22nd annual toy safety survey released today by the Georgia Public Interest Research Group (GA PIRG). “While we have seen progress after more than two decades of advocacy on behalf of America’s littlest consumers, PIRG’s researchers still found trouble in toyland on store shelves this month,” said GA PIRG’s Kris Klein. “But recent high profile product recalls have given us a chance to urge Congress to pass strong product safety reforms, and give kids the best holiday gift of all.”

Congress Passes Prescription Drug Safety Reforms 9/20/2007

By overwhelming margins, the House and Senate passed this week significant reforms to the Food and Drug Administration’s drug safety review system. The centerpiece of the bill includes strong consumer protections. President Bush has sent mixed signals on whether or not he will sign the bill, which passed the House 405 to 7 and passed the Senate unanimously.

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A Better Way to Go 3/17/2008

America’s automobile-centered transportation system was a key component of the nation’s economic prosperity during the 20th century. But our transportation system is increasingly out of step with the challenges of the 21st century. Rising fuel prices, growing traffic congestion, and the need to address critical challenges such as global warming and America’s addiction to imported oil all point toward the need for a new transportation future.

Trouble in Toyland, 22nd Annual Toy Safety Report 11/20/2007

For several years, we have reported that toys are safer than ever before, thanks to decades of work by product safety advocates and parents and the leadership of Congress, state legislatures and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Yet, as many have noted, 2007 has been described as the “year of the recall.” Millions of toys, including famous playthings like Thomas the Tank Engine and Barbie, have been recalled in 2007. Many of these toys have been from leading manufacturers like Mattel, and most were imported from China. Most of the recalls have been for hazards previously identified in this report—excessive levels of toxic lead, dangerous small magnets, and choking dangers.

Road Privatization: Explaining the Trend, Assessing the Facts, and Protecting the Public 9/06/2007

Privatization of toll roads is a growing trend. During 2007, sixteen states had some privatized road project formally proposed or underway. In the last two years Indiana and Chicago signed multi-billiondollar private concession deals for public roads for 75 years and 99 years respectively. As a result of these deals, toll rates on these roads will increase steadily and revenues will be paid to private company shareholders rather than to the public budget.

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