About NCPIRG

 

The North Carolina Public Interest Research Group (NCPIRG) is a state-wide, non-partisan, non-profit research and advocacy group dedicated to consumer rights, public health, and good government.  When private special interests dominate the debate of important issues, NCPIRG offers an independent voice on behalf of the public. We investigate problems, craft solutions, and offer citizens meaningful opportunities for civic participation. 

  

Transportation Choices

 

As gas prices approach $4 per gallon, North Carolinians need a choice – mode choice. Our state currently invests less than 4% of transportation funds in public transportation. Commuters need travel options that will not saddle them with high gas prices, congestion, and pollution. NCPIRG:  

• √ Supports legislation that creates mode choice, and like the federal funding formula, invests 20% in public transportation.
• √ Supports “fix-it-first” legislation that prioritizes maintenance and repair of our 2,787 structurally deficient bridges. 
• √ Supports legislation that links land-use to transportation planning and requires new road projects to produce long-term results.

X Opposes road bonds that fail to fix-it-first, link land-use to transportation planning, or require objective prioritization of new projects.

X Opposes the creation of toll roads unless the public retains control, receives fair value, and gets state of the art maintenance and safety.

Smart Water Management

 

Last summer, we experienced the worst drought in North Carolina’s history. Every county was affected. As the threat of drought and our population grows, smart water management becomes imperative.  NCPIRG supports legislation that:

• √ Creates efficiency standards and requires the consideration of water supply for approving new development.
• √ Requires more accurate measurement of water use.
• √ Requires the adoption of leak detection and maintenance programs.
• √ Improves the state’s ability to manage water resources during times of drought. 

Energy Companies and Corporate Accountability

 

When big energy companies make risky or bad business decisions, residents should not have to foot the multi-billion dollar bill.  These Fortune 500 Companies should bear their own risk and pay their own way when they make mistakes. NCPIRG:

 X  Opposes legislation that shifts the risk of cost over-runs and abandonment of coal and nuclear construction projects from utility companies to customers.   

Energy Efficiency Solutions

 

North Carolina could meet 14% of energy demand more cheaply by efficiency than by building new coal and nuclear plants, according to a report for the Utilities Commission.  Yet, our state invests 91% less than the average state on energy efficiency programs - 44 cents per person. NCPIRG:

• √ Supports legislation that provides incentives for energy efficient construction and appliances. 

Expanding Access to Health Care

 

Too many North Carolinians struggle to find quality, affordable health care. 1.4 million of us are uninsured, including over 100,000 children. NCPIRG supports legislation that:

• √ Provides health insurance for all children.

Smokefree NC

 

The science is clear: secondhand smoke kills over 25,000 non-smokers in this country each year. Workers in North Carolina should not be forced to inhale tobacco smoke as a condition of employment. NCPIRG:

• √ Supports legislation that prohibits smoking in work places, public buildings and parks.

Keep NC On-line

 

High-speed Internet access is a critical building block in a 21st Century economy. Local governments aim to answer the call for affordable internet access while media giants like Comcast and Verizon would just as well leave residents in a digital dark-age.  NCPIRG:

X Opposes legislation that prevents local governments from providing affordable internet access to their citizens.  This includes legislation that limits sources of revenue. 

Tax Fairness                                       

 

North Carolina businesses deserve a level playing field against multi-state corporations. Multi-state corporations use tax avoidance practices to put local businesses at a competitive disadvantage. NCPIRG:

• √ Supports corporate income tax modernization, including combined reporting for multi-state corporations.  Combined reporting levels the playing field for small businesses by preventing multi-state corporations from shifting income out of state and avoiding their fair share of taxes.

Worker Safety

 

Workers should not risk their lives because their employers fail to comply with safety laws.  Recent news, featuring North Carolina poultry plants, suggests that is what is happening. NCPIRG supports legislation that:

• √ Increases funding, staffing, and enforcement of worker safety laws.   

Reinvigorating Democracy

 

North Carolina has made inroads on voter-owned elections, but there is a way to go.  Voters, not special interests, should determine who can fund and win an election.  NCPIRG supports legislation that:

• √ Fully funds the Council of State pilot.  
• √ Awards all electoral votes to the winner of the popular vote.