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Phase Out Toxic Chemicals
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| TARGETING TOXICS—A mother needs to be aware of what toys are safe for her child, but this is a difficult task when many items—extending far beyond the toy shelves—in local stores contain toxic chemicals linked to myriad health concerns.
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On May 24, while Target shareholders attended the company’s annual meeting in Cleveland, Ohio, Maryland PIRG and concerned Maryland customers protested at the Towson Target store, urging the company to phase out PVC products and packaging. Two hundred similar protests happened across the country as part of a national day of action urging Target to phase out the use of toxic PVC.
PVC (polyvinyl chloride), commonly known as vinyl, contains poisonous chemicals that get into the air we breathe and can cause health risks including cancer and birth defects. Despite these dangers, PVC is used to make children’s toys, teething rings, shower curtains, lunchboxes, shampoo bottles and home building materials. More.
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Fending Off Predatory Debt Management Companies
The average Marylander carries $5,800 in credit card debt from month to month. Many of these consumers turn to debt management services for help as they struggle to free themselves from debt.
In the world of credit counseling, there are good and bad actors. Too often, the bad actors are for-profit companies who steer consumers toward expensive credit monitoring services or credit card consolidation programs, rather than offering genuine credit counseling. Currently, state law prevents for-profit companies from offering debt management services in Maryland.
Unfortunately, the for-profit debt management industry continues to push for a piece of the pie in Maryland. Consumer advocates have fought off proposals in the past few years but we will have to strengthen our defenses in the coming legislative session to prevent predatory for-profit debt management companies from opening up shop in Maryland.
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Maryland PIRG Settles Lawsuit With PSC
On June 25, 2007 Maryland PIRG settled its lawsuit against the Maryland Public Service Commission. Maryland PIRG had brought the suit against the PSC in the spring of 2006, charging that the commission had violated Maryland open meetings laws after several Commissioners met with then-Gov. Ehrlich’s staff behind closed doors and refused to release minutes of the meeting. The meeting happened shortly before the controversial 72 percent BGE electricity rate increase was announced.
Maryland PIRG agreed to settle the suit, because many of the points of concern have been addressed through other means—the 72 percent increase has been scrutinized, Gov. O’Malley has replaced Gov. Ehrlich and the commission has been reconstituted.
In a meeting between Maryland PIRG staff and the commission, Chairman Larsen and the other commissioners committed to abide by the Open Meetings Act in their proceedings.
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Teaming Up To Protect Maryland Consumers
On Sept. 28, Maryland PIRG, Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition, the Maryland CASH Campaign and other members of the Maryland Consumer Caucus will participate in a planning retreat to prepare for the 2008 legislative session.
The Maryland Consumer Caucus consists of organizations who advocate on behalf of the public interest before the Maryland General Assembly in Annapolis. Last spring, caucus members not only coordinated testimony but also set up a rapid response system to challenge bad amendments to identity theft legislation.
Although the caucus has been meeting during the legislative session for several years, this is the first time the caucus will meet outside the legislative session to plan for the coming year. We hope the collaborative will lead to stronger consumer protections for Maryland.
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