Consumer Protection

H.722, The VT Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act Introduced to Vermont House of Representatives

It is estimated that 70% of all packaged food sold in the United States contains Genetically engineered ingredients, yet consumers have no way choosing whether or not to buy these foods because they are not labeled. In response to growing concern about this issue Representative Kate Webb of Shelburne introduced H.722, the VT Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act, into the Vermont House of Representatives on February 1, 2012. The Act would address consumer concerns by requiring food sold at retail outlets in the state of Vermont to be labeled if it is genetically engineered, or produced with genetically engineered ingredients.

Legislative Preview: What’s on the Docket for 2012?

We continue to work toward building a clean, renewable, reliable energy future for our state. VPIRG is working to pass a bill ensuring that a greater portion of your electricity comes from renewable sources. And, with 50% of Vermont’s electricity already coming from clean energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower, our goal, of an additional 30% more by 2025, is well within our reach.

VPIRG’s 2011 Trouble in Toyland Report

In addition to our work to make all products safer, every year VPIRG releases our annual Trouble in Toyland report highlighting potential hazards in children’s toys. This year Trouble in Toyland, along with an interactive tool accessible via smart phone or computer at http://toysafety.mobi, will help parents and other toy-buyers avoid some common hazards this holiday-shopping season.

VPIRG report shows need for Consumer Protection Bureau

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau takes over enforcement of all major U.S. consumer laws July 21st. The agency was created in the wake of the Wall Street scandals that led to the Great Recession, and is tasked with protecting consumers from predatory lending and financial traps. Unfortunately, Wall Street banks have asked their friends in Congress to hamstring the agency by denying it a director. Now a new VPIRG report shows why we need this agency.

Poll shows strong support for Wall Street reform, report shows need for Consumer Protection Bureau

On the day that a landmark federal agency – the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – takes over enforcement of all major consumer laws, the Vermont Public Interest Research Group announced the results of a poll showing that an overwhelming majority of likely voters both support a new consumer agency (74%) and want Wall Street held “accountable” (77%). VPIRG also released a new report documenting “10 reasons” consumers need the new CFPB.

2011 Legislative Accomplishments

The 2011 legislative session was filled with victories on VPIRG-backed legislation across each of our program areas. With a new governor in office for the first time in eight years, our small state suddenly had opportunities to pass the kind of major policy initiatives that our friends in other parts of the country could only …

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2011 Legislative Session at a glance

One of my favorite things about directing VPIRG is that by working with members like you and our partners across the state, we manage to get things done that my colleagues in other states can only dream about. Consider our list of accomplishments in the legislative session that just ended on Friday.

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