About Us
Our team of researchers uncover the facts; our staff bring our findings to the public, through the media as well as one-on-one interactions; and our advocates are bringing the voice of the public to the halls of power on behalf of consumers.
An Independent Voice For Consumers
Arizona 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.
We’ve stood up for consumers, countering the influence of big banks, insurers, the oil industry, and other powerful special interests.
Our Top Priorities
Using the time-tested tools of investigative research, media exposés, grassroots organizing, advocacy and litigation, the Arizona PIRG stands up to powerful interests and delivers concrete results.
RECLAIMING OUR DEMOCRACY FROM BIG MONEY
The Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision unleashed unprecedented spending by a handful of millionaires and corporations on our elections. While we still don’t know of all the moneyed special interests behind this growing trend, Arizona PIRG knows how to fight back. >LEARN MORE
CONNECTING ARIZONA WITH RAIL
Arizonans drive more experience more congestion and produce more pollution than they did two decades ago. It’s clear that we need to update and expand our transit system to meet our needs in the 21st century. >LEARN MORE
PUTTING PUBLIC HEALTH AHEAD OF BIG AG
One in three school-age kids is overweight, yet our government is wasting more than $1 billion each year on subsidies for sugar-laden, high-fat foods. Arizona PIRG is calling for an end to subsidies for junk food. >LEARN MORE
ENSURING SPENDING TRANSPARENCY IN ARIZONA
Seeing how government uses the public purse is fundamental to democracy. Spending transparency checks corruption, bolsters public confidence, and promotes fiscal responsibility. >LEARN MORE
Arizona PIRG STAFF - A PARTIAL LIST
Arizona PIRG is an advocate for the public interest. When consumers are cheated, or the voices of ordinary citizens are drowned out by special interest lobbyists, Arizona PIRG speaks up and takes action. We uncover threats to public health and well-being and fight for the public interest.
DIANE E. BROWN
Executive Director
(602) 252-9227
SERENA UNREIN
Public Interest Advocate
(602) 252-1184
ED MIERZWINSKI
Federal Consumer Program Director
(202) 546-9707 x314
What's New
Today, U.S. PIRG delivered 43,000-plus signatures to ventilator manufacturers -- including GE Healthcare, Phillips, Siemens, Drager, Hamilton, Medtronic and more -- calling for the release of all necessary repair information.
A new investigation by ProPublica, along with reporting by numerous other outlets, has revealed that suppliers are using the COVID-19 public health emergency to drive up prices exorbitantly on medical equipment.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a full recall Wednesday of all ranitidine, a heartburn medication known by the brand name Zantac.
With the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic resulting in a significant number of job losses, many Arizonans are concerned with how they’re going to pay their monthly bills. The Arizona PIRG Education Fund released a guide with tips for how consumers can negotiate with their banks to lower interest rates, waive overdraft fees, and determine payment plans to provide more financial peace of mind in the months to come.
Marriott, the world’s largest hotel chain in terms of guest rooms, disclosed Tuesday that up to 5.2 million customers were impacted by a security breach related to the company’s loyalty app.
Democracy
PIRG urges states to adopt emergency absentee voting
The novel coronavirus outbreak is, understandably, causing many Americans to think twice about going to the polls. To protect public health and the integrity of our elections, PIRG is calling on states to make sure residents can cast absentee ballots for the 2020 elections.
COVID-19
Manufacturers should release service information for hospital ventilators
During this public health crisis, it is vitally important that qualified technicians be able to repair and maintain our ventilators. But some manufacturers don't provide easy access to the repair documentation needed to fix these lifesaving devices.
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.
Solid Waste
The Fix Is In
Our survey found that independent repair shops currently offer many repair options that some manufacturers don’t make available. Apple and others are making it harder for individuals and independent repair shops to fix our devices.
support us
Your donation supports Arizona PIRG's work to stand up for consumers on the issues that matter, especially when powerful interests are blocking progress.