Stopping Exelon’s Energy Takeover

In 2006, NJPIRG won a precedent-setting victory when Exelon walked away from its bid to buy out PSE&G. The victory was the result of two years of research and litigation, coalition-building with like-minded organizations, and the pressure of more than 11,500 public comments from concerned citizens.

Saving The Turnpike From Privatization

In 2008, Gov. Jon Corzine responded to our concerns and the public and rejected toll-road privatization. From the beginning, we called on the governor to rethink his road privatization plan, on the basis that it would give up public control of our roads and potentially be dangerous and costly to New Jerseyans.

Pioneering Prescription Drug Reform

In 2007, the president signed an NJPIRG-backed law to rein in the makers of drugs like Vioxx, Paxil and Avandia, all of which had dangerous and deadly side effects. The bill reforms the Food and Drug Administration’s drug safety review process, makes drugs safer, and holds drug makers more accountable for the safety of consumers.

Stopping Wasteful And Expensive Energy Practices

We helped cut electricity usage by 1 percent, which will save consumers more than $900 million by 2020. Our work to promote affordable energy legislation, through a partnership with Majority Leader Bonnie Watson Coleman, will also make several common appliances more energy-efficient.

Promoting Young Voter Participation

Two million more 18- to 24-year olds voted in 2008 than in the last presidential election in 2004, part of a record overall voter turnout. Here in New Jersey, our Student PIRGs’ New Voters Project did its part by deploying organizers to state campuses to help turn out the vote.

Keeping Our Families Safe From Dangerous Products

Those who violate product safety laws will face stiff fines and penalties and hazardous products will be removed from store shelves more quickly, under a landmark law championed by NJPIRG in 2008.

Preventing Abuses Of Personal Information

In 2005, NJPIRG helped give consumers new tools to battle the rising threat of identity theft—including the right to freeze their credit reports—by passing stronger laws aimed at protecting personal information.

Paving The Way For 21st Century Transportation

Passenger rail travel will improve and New Jersey will begin investing in a new generation of high-speed rail thanks to a NJPIRG-backed program that plans to increase the number of public transportation seats between our state and New York City.