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
Fisher-Price recalled 4.7 million Rock n’Play baby sleepers on Friday. U.S. PIRG Consumer Watchdog Adam Garber issued a response: "“While we’re pleased that Fisher-Price is finally recalling these dangerous sleepers, 30 deaths in 10 years is 30 deaths too many and 10 years too late."
In what we hope will be a bellwether ruling, another jury has found Roundup to be a "substantial factor" in causing a man's cancer.
Nearly a year after a report by our partners at U.S. PIRG Education Fund found asbestos in its children’s makeup products, Claire’s agreed to take action.
Read U.S. PIRG's statement on Wells Fargo eliminating some fees for student on debit cards.
Consumer Protection | U.S. PIRG
Campus debit cards cost students over $24 million in fees
Report shows how campus debit cards — along with how they are marketed — are putting students' financial well-being at risk across the country.
Antibiotics | U.S. PIRG
Hold the antibiotics Wendy's
A recent estimate suggests that as many as 162,000 people die from antibiotic-resistant infections every year. Wendy's can help protect our life-saving medicines if it stops serving beef raised on routine antibiotics.
Solid Waste | U.S. PIRG
Let's move beyond plastic
Nothing we use for a few minutes should threaten our health and pollute our future for hundreds of years. One of the best ways to reduce the amount of trash headed to landfills is to ban items such as plastic foam cups and takeout containers.
Consumer Protection | U.S. PIRG
The real price of medications
The results of our investigation of variations in prescription drug prices may surprise you.
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.