Our Top Priorities
Using the time-tested tools of investigative research, media exposés, grassroots organizing, advocacy and litigation, CALPIRG stands up to powerful interests and delivers concrete results. 

 

MAKING HEALTH CARE WORK

When Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of California proposed double-digit rate hikes, we called on them to justify the increases. Thanks to a new CALPIRG-backed law, Californians saved $127 million in 2011on proposed rate hikes                                    that were later reversed. >LEARN MORE

STOP SUBSIDIZING OBESITY

When big agribusinesses like Monsanto lobbied to keep their billion dollar junk food subsidies, we organized public opposition by talking to over 1 million people and building a coalition of more than 550 small farmers.>LEARN MORE

CONSUMER PROTECTION

Our toy safety reports and lab research have led to recalls of more than 150 toxic or dangerous toys, and advocates have pushed to keep toxic chemicals out of all consumer products. >LEARN MORE

CLOSE CORPORATE TAX LOOPHOLES

We exposed the Fortune 500 companies like GE and Goldman Sachs who stash their profits overseas to dodge taxes. Offshore tax haven cost us an estimated $150 billion every year. >LEARN MORE
 

Our Mission
When consumers are cheated or the voices of ordinary citizens are drowned out by special interest lobbyists, CALPIRG speaks up and takes action. We uncover threats to public health and wellbeing and fight to end them, using the time-tested tools of investigative research, media exposés, grassroots organizing, advocacy and litigation. CALPIRG’s mission is to deliver persistent, result-oriented public interest activism that protects consumers, encourages a fair, sustainable economy, and fosters responsive, democratic government.

CALPIRG And The Federation Of State Public Interest Research Groups
CALPIRG is an independent, state-based, citizen-funded organization that advocates for the public interest and is a member of U.S. PIRG, the federation of state Public Interest Research Groups.

Since 1970, state PIRGs have delivered results-oriented citizen activism, stood up to powerful special interests, and used the time-tested tools of investigative research, media exposés, grassroots organizing, advocacy and litigation to win real results on issues that matter.

Across the country, state PIRGs employ close to 400 organizers, policy analysts, scientists and attorneys, and are active in 47 states, with a federal lobby office in Washington, D.C. On national issues that impact Californians, we also coordinate our efforts, pool resources, and share expertise so that we can have the biggest impact—here in California and for the country at large.

CALPIRG Staff - A Partial List
CALPIRG is an advocate for the public interest. When consumers are cheated, or the voices of ordinary citizens are drowned out by special interest lobbyists, CALPIRG speaks up and takes action. We uncover threats to public health and well-being and fight for the public interest.

EMILY RUSCH

State Director

(415) 622-0039 x307

>CONTACT
>BIO
 

JON FOX

Consumer Advocate

(916) 448-4516 x108

>CONTACT
>BIO
 

 

MIKE RUSSO

Health Care Advocate & Staff Attorney

(213) 251-3680 x332

>CONTACT
>BIO
 

Funded By Our Citizen Members 

Thousands of CALPIRG members and supporters fund the staff who conduct research, public education and advocacy on important issues. You provide the clout we need to win real results.