10 things CALPIRG has accomplished recently

Here at CALPIRG, we continue to find opportunities to improve our communities and our lives.

From passing legislation that makes it easier to obtain refunds for canceled airline flights to getting PFAS out of textiles and personal care products, CALPIRG had its hand in many wins worth celebrating this past year.

Here are 10 ways CALPIRG staff and members worked together to make Californians healthier and the marketplace more transparent.

1. Plastic bags banned

Plastic pollution threatens the health of people, wildlife and the planet. Although Californians voted to ban plastic grocery bags in 2016, a loophole allowed grocery stores to provide customers with thicker plastic bags—most of which, despite claims of being “recyclable,” were tossed in the trash or littered. This loophole worsened plastic bag pollution. CALPIRG lobbied in Sacramento in support of Senate Bill 1053, which finally banned all plastic bags at checkout.

2. California Right to Repair Act passed

Many consumers would prefer to keep their electronic devices working longer. That’s why U.S. PIRG’s Education Fund, CALPIRG’s research partner, released “Failing the Fix,” a report that grades major tech companies on how easy—or how difficult—their products are to repair.

Thanks in part to CALPIRG’s advocacy, California enacted a Right to Repair law last year. Because the law requires manufacturers to make documentation, parts and tools available for product repair, Californians now are better able to repair their devices themselves or at an independent repair shop of their choosing.

3. Online privacy pitfalls revealed

Californians deserve to have control of their personal data. But in today’s online marketplace, personal information may be traded and sold without permission. CALPIRG helped state legislators pass stronger privacy laws by identifying common privacy law pitfalls in the U.S. PIRG Education Fund’s annual state consumer privacy scorecard. PIRG’s Don’t Sell My Data campaign continues this advocacy by offering tips for securing personal data online.

4. Protections for children against toxic pesticides strengthened

Pesticides are often sprayed dangerously close to schools. In children, pesticide exposure is linked to acute poisoning and chronic diseases such as cancer, respiratory disease and developmental disorders. CALPIRG supported Assembly Bill 1864, which strengthens existing protections for children from exposure to agricultural pesticides at school.

5. PFAS chemical use limited

In January 2025, three new CALPIRG-backed laws took effect that remove PFAS “forever chemicals” and other toxic substances from textiles and personal care products. Thanks to support from our members, Californians can worry a little less about the human health and environmental harms caused by forever chemicals.

6. Medical debt on credit reports prohibited

In September 2024, California passed a CALPIRG-sponsored bill prohibiting medical debt from appearing on credit reports. Now, if you get hit with a big medical bill, it won’t jeopardize your ability to get a loan, buy a new home or apply for a new job.

7. Electric school buses will replace dirty diesel

Thanks in part to PIRG education campaigns, thousands of students will no longer be exposed to bus exhaust and other unsafe pollution on their morning trips to school. Senate Bill 110 helped create the California Energy Commission School Bus Replacement Program, which will gradually replace California’s oldest diesel-burning buses with their electric counterparts.

8. Airline refunds will become easier to obtain

In November 2024, PIRG responded to skyrocketing numbers of airline passenger complaints by updating the Flyers’ Bill of Rights and promoting it on national and local media outlets. In May, PIRG successfully lobbied Congress to ensure that flyers receive prompt refunds and improved customer service.

9. Lead pipes were targeted for removal

PIRG has spent years advocating for the removal of toxic lead pipes because lead harms how children think, learn and behave. In October 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency announced a 10-year deadline to replace most of the nation’s lead drinking water pipes.

10. A harmful food dye was banned

Despite proven links to cancer, Red No. 3 was added to candy, slushies and maraschino cherries for decades. In January 2025, years of PIRG advocacy came to fruition when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned the use of Red No. 3 in foods.

Our consumer research, education and advocacy tackle problems that affect our health and safety. But we need your support to advance solutions.

While there’s no end to the challenges the modern world poses to the quality of our lives, we here at CALPIRG are grateful for the opportunity to meet these challenges together.