Background Statement
The CoPIRG Foundation, working with a network of other State PIRGs across the country, has been a voice for the public interest in Colorado since 1983.
CoPIRG Foundation's ground-breaking research has led to increased support for transit, walking, and biking; resulted in dozens of recalls for dangerous toys and toxic products; improved the safety of the food in the National School Lunch program and developed policy solutions for problems in our energy, health care and democratic systems.
Recent research reports include our 6th annual State of Recycling and Composting report, our 37th annual Trouble in Toyland report and a first of its kind look at the outsized impact of gas-powered lawn mowers and leaf blowers on our unhealthy ozone pollution levels.
Our grassroots organizing includes building support for major expansions in transit, walking and biking funding including shifting over $100 million to regional transit in Denver instead of wasteful highway widening projects that fail to solve congestion and exacerbate pollution. We've helped convince the Air Quality Control Commission to adopt electric vehicle standards and convinced the Colorado Department of Transportation to expand our statewide bus system - Bustang - reaching more places with more routes. We are working with school districts across Colorado to "Filter First," and ensure all children have access to lead-free drinking water where they learn and play each day.
CoPIRG Foundation mobilizes thousands of Coloradans every year to become active in our issues. Our network of doctors and medical professionals have helped move the largest fast food companies including McDonald's, Subway and KFC to prioritize public health by phasing out inappropriate antibiotic use in animals.
Our youth organizing program has registered over 100,000 college students to vote and trained over 1,000 students to be active citizens through our internship program.