About Illinois PIRG
Our team of researchers uncovers the facts; our staff bring our findings to the public, through the media as well as one-on-one interactions; and our advocates bring the voice of the public to the halls of power on behalf of consumers.
An Independent Voice For Consumers
Illinois 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, Illinois PIRG stands up to powerful interests and delivers concrete results.
STOP THE OVERUSE OF ANTIBIOTICS
The overuse of antibiotics on factory farms is contributing to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, threatening millions of Americans every year. We're calling on major restaurants to take strong action to address this growing public health threat. >LEARN MORE
DEMOCRACY FOR THE PEOPLE
We're working to stanch the flow of big money in our democracy by increasing the influence of small donors in elections. We're also part of a national coalition that's helped 16 states and more than 650 cities call for an amendment to overturn Citizens United. >LEARN MORE
CONSUMER PROTECTION
Consumer Program Director Ed Mierzwinski has fought for consumers for more than 20 years. He spearheaded our fight to create the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which has provided more than $11 billion in relief for consumers harmed by illegal practices. >LEARN MORE
21st CENTURY TRANSPORTATION
We're spending billions on highway expansion projects instead of investing in public transit, biking and pedestrian options that people both want and need. We're putting a spotlight on these projects, and calling on policymakers to invest in 21st Century Transportation options. >LEARN MORE
What's New
In the spring, we shut down our lives and our economy in hopes of reducing the spread of COVID-19 enough to be able to manage it through widespread testing and contact tracing. In spite of that shutdown, today the virus is raging virtually uncontrolled. We didn’t stick with it until the job was done.
A new study that tested for PFAS in food containers from six restaurant chains found that, out of 29 unique samples, 14 tested above the screening level for fluorine, suggesting PFAS treatment.
The Chicago City Council Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy held a subject matter hearing today on ComEd and its response to the recently revealed illegal bribery scheme. Illinois PIRG director Abe Scarr made comments to the Commision during the meeting's public comment period and submitted extended written comments.
The Illinois Commerce Commission held a hearing today on internal reforms ComEd is making in response to the recently revealed illegal bribery scheme. Illinois PIRG director Abe Scarr made comments to the Commision during the meeting's public comment period.
John Lewis was an American hero.
Most people knew him as a champion of civil rights, whether as a young man marching for freedom on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma in 1965 or serving as the “conscience of the Congress” for the past 33 years. Yet John Lewis was also a dependable ally on public interest issues, a tenacious advocate of voting reform and open government, consumer protection and a healthy environment.
COVID-19
More than 1,000 health professionals call on leaders to 'shut down, start over, do it right'
More than 1,000 health professionals have signed an open letter urging President Trump and state governors to save lives by reinstating stay-at-home orders, ramping up testing capacity, and increasing production of personal protective equipment.
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.
Consumer Protection | Illinois PIRG
$200 million fine is first step toward undoing harms of corrupt ComEd schemes
After being charged with corruption and exerting illegal political influence, utility Commonwealth Edison, or ComEd, has agreed to pay a $200 million fine for its nearly decade-long campaign to offer jobs, contracts and money in exchange for favorable public policy.
Consumer Protection
Illinois PIRG sues Clearview AI over privacy violations of millions of Illinoisans
Illinois PIRG has joined the ACLU in a lawsuit accusing the facial recognition startup Clearview AI of violating the privacy rights of millions of Illinois residents. In January, the New York Times reported that Clearview AI had collected more than 3 billion photos from the internet without the knowledge or consent of those pictured.
Support Us
Your donation supports Illinois PIRG’s work to stand up for consumers on the issues that matter, especially when powerful interests are blocking progress.