Public Citizen

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Public Citizen is a Washington, D.C.-based progressive organization engaged in consumer advocacy. Founded by Ralph Nader in 1971 ^[1], its activities span across a diverse range of issues, including energy policy, trade policy, campaign finance reform and accountability, consumer protection, medical malpractice, and public health.

They represent consumer interests in Congress, the executive branch and the courts, fighting for openness and democratic accountability in government, for the right of consumers to seek justice in the courts, for clean, safe and sustainable energy sources, for social and economic justice in trade policies, for strong health, safety and environmental protections and for safe, effective and affordable prescription drugs and health care.

Nader resigned as president in 1980. ^[2] The organization currently is headed by Joan Claybrook, who was head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) during the Carter administration, 1977 to 1981.

The organization is divided into six divisions: the Critical Mass Energy Program, Global Trade Watch, Congress Watch, the Public Citizen Litigation Group, the Health Research Group, and Auto Safety. Since 1984, they have also had a Texas office. Public Citizen's Texas State Office has concerned itself with: environmental enforcement policies, global warming, promoting renewable/clean energy, product safety, nuclear safety, medical safety, auto safety/quality, pesticide safety, insurance reforms, campaign finance/ethics issues, improving state government agency operations and fair trade policies.

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[edit] References

^ Staff report (June 2, 1971). Nader Forums Unit To Seek Donations. New York Times
^ United Press International (November 2, 1980). Nader Resigns as Chief Of Public Citizen Inc. New York Times