PIRGIM

PUBLIC INTEREST RESEARCH GROUP IN MICHIGAN & PIRGIM EDUCATION FUND

Annual Report

2004 FROM THE DIRECTOR Mike Shriberg

Perhaps whatʼs most striking to me—as someone who came to PIRGIM in 2004—is the breadth and quality of our work. This past year was marked by a particularly bitter and divisive presidential election. Maybe more than ever, PIRGIMʼs state-based, non-partisan, issue-based advocacy is needed to rise above the mud-slinging party politics of the day.

PIRGIMʼs mission is to make Michigan a great place in which to live. Our focus is on the issues that matter to our members, and our approach is persistent and relentless. We gather our information and our power from grassroots outreach and use media exposés, litigation, investigative research and other time-tested tools to be effective advocates for our members.

The results from the past year are impressive. Highlights include:

• Passing a PIRGIM-backed clean water law;

• Passing one of the nationʼs strongest identity theft laws;

• Registering over 20,000 Michiganders to vote; and

• Convincing Gov. Jennifer Granholm to pledge to cut mercury pollution from power plants by 90 percent.

Clearly, PIRGIM has a strong track record and is well-positioned for the future. Much of the credit for this impressive record goes to our outgoing director, Brian Imus. Brian has left Michigan after eight years at PIRGIM to work with our sister or- ganization in Illinois; he leaves very large shoes to fill. I am excited about this challenge, and will draw on my experiences not only as PIRGIMʼs Great Lakes advocate, but also as a faculty member and director of environmental studies at Chatham College. My training here in Michigan has also prepared me well for this challenge—I earned my Ph.D. in Resource Policy & Behavior from the University of Michiganʼs School of Natural Resources & Environment.

As you read about our environmental, consumer and democracy efforts, remember that it is our members and supporters who make this work possible. Your support sustains us—literally and figuratively—and I want to thank you and invite you to become even more engaged in the years to come.

Cover photos: Jason Barbose opposes oil drilling under the Great Lakes (Staff); Mike Shriberg calls for a mercury-free Michigan (Channel 6 News); Kate Ma- digan at a mercury press conference (Channel 6 News); Lake Michigan beach 1. (Michigan Travel Bureau). MAKING MICHIGAN MERCURY-FREE Gov. Jennifer Granholm committed to reduce mercury pollution from power plants

PIRGIM research exposed the negative health effects of mercury and staff led a grassroots effort to educate residents about the risks Our Mission

This year, PIRGIM worked with residents When consumers are cheated, or our natural and public health groups to address the environment is threatened, or the voices of increasingly dangerous situation being ordinary citizens are drowned out by special caused by toxic mercury pollution in interest lobbyists, PIRGIM speaks up and Michigan. takes action. We uncover threats to public health and well-being and fight to end them, Together, the coalition won a commit- using the time-tested tools of investigative ment from Gov. Jennifer Granholm to re- research, media exposés, grassroots duce mercury pollution from Michiganʼs organizing, advocacy and litigation. power plants by 90 percent. PIRGIM’s mission is to deliver persistent, result-oriented public interest activism PIRGIM launched the Mercury-Free that protects our environment, encourages Michigan campaign as the focus of our a fair, sustainable economy, and fosters citizen outreach work. Our staff spoke responsive, democratic government. with more than 50,000 people across the state. At least 8,000 people sent com- ments to Gov. Granholm. We delivered these comments at a press conference at the Capitol as well as at a public event in PIRGIMʼs Kate Madigan, in front of the Capital, speaks to a reporter with Lansing Channel 10 In Their Own Words Royal Oak. (NBC) about mercury pollution.

PIRGIM issued a report, based on EPA data, which found that every fish sampled in Michigan was contaminated with mer- to cause serious health problems,” said cury, and most were contaminated with Dr. Mike Harbut, MD, at a PIRGIM press Congress- mercury at levels exceeding EPAʼs “safe” conference. man John D. limit for women and children. Dingell, In response to overwhelming public U.S. Representa- In fact, every inland lake in Michigan is support, Gov. Granholm sent a letter to tive, District 15 under a fish consumption advisory be- PIRGIM members committing to achiev- “I’ve appreciated working with the cause of mercury contamination. ing 90 percent mercury reductions from competent staff of PIRGIM on various power plants. public interest issues, including “One in six women of childbearing age defending the Clean Water Act, has unsafe levels of mercury in her blood. PIRGIM will continue to participate in a fighting for local control of the media, This means that 630,000 of the 4 million governor-appointed workgroup to hold and advocating clean energy.” babies that are born each year already her to this promise and ensure a safer have been exposed to enough mercury future for Michigan families.

PROTECTING OUR WATERWAYS Polluters were forced to pay for cleanup and the Great Lakes were given center stage

loudly for protection of the Great Lakes. PIRGIM helped convince the governor to make polluters pay and In response, PIRGIM collaborated with formed a coalition to protect the Great Lakes other state PIRGs in the region to expand our Great Lakes program.

Representing the public interest in the of the stateʼs industrial and municipal The PIRGs are unique participants in the Great Lakes state means standing up facilities polluted more than their Clean battle to save the Great Lakes because we for Michiganʼs waterways. PIRGIMʼs Water Act permits allowed from January act both at the individual state level and in Clean Water Program expanded greatly 2002 to June 2003. a coordinated manner across the region. in 2004 and achieved several significant victories. Protecting The Great Lakes Most issues affecting the lakes extend In Michigan, we realize how vulnerable beyond state and even national boundar- Making Polluters Pay the Great Lakes are, despite their im- ies, yet require solutions at the state or PIRGIM helped broker an agreement mense size. regional level. Successes in Michigan between Gov. Jennifer Granholm and and elsewhere can be transferred across state lawmakers that will require Michi- Yet politicians and government agencies state boundaries. gan polluters to pay part of the cleanup often neglect the lakes, leaving them open costs for the damage they inflict on to exploitation for private and political “Working regionally to leverage our waterways. profit at the expense of the public good. power in Michigan is the best way to ensure that our greatest asset—the Great The new law established mandatory fees Fortunately, citizens in Michigan and Lakes—is protected for future genera- for companies who want permits to dis- across the region are clamoring ever more tions,” said Mike Shriberg, PIRGIMʼs Di- charge water into Michigan waterways. rector. “Our partners in Ohio, Wisconsin, Those permit fees will fund the cleanup Illinois, Pennsylvania and beyond are of our degraded lakes and rivers. critical to our efforts in Michigan.”

“As long as industries are dumping their With this newly expanded collaborative wastes into our waterways, we need envi- effort, PIRGIM helped shape critical ronmental cops on the beat to ensure they regional policies, like “Annex 2001.” donʼt exceed their limits,” said PIRGIMʼs Annex 2001 is an agreement among Great former director, Brian Imus. “Permit fees Lakes statesʼ governors about new rules create a fair way to help fund cleanup by affecting withdrawals and diversions of ensuring that taxpayers arenʼt footing the Great Lakes water. entire bill for pollutersʼ activities.” The state PIRGsʼ Great Lakes program While permit fees are a good start, more generated over 3,000 public comments as needs to be done to stop illegal pollu- well as official testimony on this policy. tion. Our continued pressure and results-ori- ented advocacy helped form a much PIRGIM is working to restore Michiganʼs A March PIRGIM report entitled “Trou- treasured waterways, like Lake Superior, stronger version of the agreement—one bled Waters“ found that over 45 percent pictured here. which bans most water diversions.

Annual Report 2005 3. “We will continue to use our collective Stopping sewage dumping is a high pri- power in the Great Lakes to shape state, ority for PIRGIM and the plan currently regional and national decisions to protect calls for over $13 billion in funding for Coalitions the Great Lakes,” concluded Shriberg. sewage infrastructure.

Funding To Restore The Lakes “Now is the time for a serious commit- Here is a sample of some of the groups that Restoring the Great Lakes requires a ment of resources to restore this vital PIRGIM worked with over the past year: monumental commitment of federal, state part of our heritage and ensure that future and local resources. generations of Michiganders have clean • AARP waterways,” said Shriberg. • Alaska Coalition PIRGIM strongly supports this long-over- • Alliance for the Great Lakes due commitment and has joined forces “We should be able to freely swim at our • The Apollo Alliance with like-minded groups in the Healing beaches, boat in our waterways, eat fish • Biodiversity Project Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition. from our waters and drink from our taps. • Clean Water Action • Consumer Federation of America • Eastern Michigan Environmental Action Council • Ecology Center • Great Lakes Aquatic Habitat Network and Fund • Michigan Citizens for Water Conservation • Michigan Environmental Council • Michigan League of Conservation Voters • National Parks & Conservation Association • National Wildlife Federation • Sierra Club • Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council • Western Michigan Environmental Action Council

PIRGIM State Director Mike Shriberg appears on Channel 6 News to release “Fishing For Trouble” on Oct. 14, 2004. The report revealed high levels of toxic pollution in the Great Lakes and called on In Their Own Words lawmakers to protect and restore the lakes.

PIRGIM Director Mike Shriberg sits on The Great Lakes are too important to our Andy the steering committee of this effort to way of life and our economy to be ignored Buchsbaum ensure that the Great Lakes receive the any longer,” he concluded. Director, National funding they deserve. Wildlife Federation’s Great Lakes Natural PIRGIM will continue to work to make Resource Center and “While the Great Lakes have made a Michigan the leader in Great Lakes res- former member of comeback, significant issues remain and toration. PIRGIM staff new threats keep arising,” he said. “The Great Lakes are facing a pivotal And, through PIRGIMʼs federal advocacy period. I have worked closely with Shriberg is helping to draft a govern- office, we will use our power in Wash- PIRGIM on issues ranging from water ment-sponsored plan to restore the ington, D.C. to put this issue on the radar diversions to mercury contamination, lakes—called the Great Lakes Regional screens of our federal legislators. and am convinced that, now more Collaborative. than ever, we need the unique skills and energy they bring to the policy debates.” STANDING UP FOR CONSUMERS PIRGIM-backed identity theft bill and credit scoring proposals advanced

Identity Theft Bills Signed Into Law PIRGIM protected Michigan’s consumers from fraud and abuse Many recommendations from the report became law when Gov. Granholm signed a set of identity theft bills. PIRGIM worked closely with Sens. Mike Bishop On Dec. 28, Gov. Jennifer Granholm in the credit card companies—theyʼve got (Rochester) and Nancy Cassis (Novi) and signed into law one of the broadest pack- to tighten security if weʼre ever going to Rep. Bill VanRegenmorter (Georgetown) ages of bills on identity theft in the nation, stop identity theft. to develop a strong package of bills. despite fierce opposition from bankers, credit card companies and other industry Based on our research, PIRGIM devel- In addition to helping victims of identity lobbyists. oped recommendations for how individu- theft recover, the new laws limit ways als, companies and policymakers can help that companies can use Michiganders Exposing Identity Theft Problems deter identity theft. personal information, especially Social In 2004, identity theft became the fast- Security numbers (SSN). Companies are est-growing crime in the nation. Busi- The suggested policy changes include prohibited from publicly displaying SSNs nesses continued to gather, buy and sell strengthening privacy laws to prohibit and cannot print SSNs on health care extensive records of our personal data, companies from selling customersʼ per- cards, student IDs or other cards, badges often without our knowledge and almost sonal information and requiring credit or licenses. always without our permission. card companies and other credit grant- ors to tighten security before granting “These bills take several critical steps in Lax security and irresponsible data-sell- credit. addressing identity theft, but more re- ing practices made headlines across the mains to be done to further protect Michi- country, as thousands of Americans had ganders from this crime,” said PIRGIM their personal information compromised Consumer Advocate Megan Owens. by security breaches. Annual costs to consumers exceed $51 billion. Inaccurate Credit Reporting PIRGIM is also working to give Michi- To document these incidents in Michigan, ganders more control over their credit PIRGIM released a report entitled “Polic- reports and to ensure consumers are noti- ing Privacy: Michigan Law Enforcement fied if personal information about them is Officers On The Challenges of Tackling illegally accessed. Identity Theft.” Even though credit reports are extremely PIRGIM found that very few identity important records for qualifying for credit theft cases are solved, because of the cards, buying a house, leasing a car, rent- anonymity of the crime and jurisdictional ing a new apartment or interviewing for challenges. a job, PIRGIM research found that many credit reports contain serious flaws. “The financial system is focused only on PIRGIMʼs Federal Consumer Advocate Ed Mier- customer service, and not geared enough zwinski appeared on ABC to call on Congress to In June, PIRGIM released a new report, toward security,” said Dearborn Detective pass meaningful identity theft reform laws. entitled “Mistakes Do Happen: A Look Sargent Craig Lankford. “We need to rein At Errors In Consumer Credit Reports.”

Annual Report 2005 5. It found that fully 79 percent of credit surance rates shouldnʼt be decided based reports surveyed contained an error and on our credit reports,” said Owens. one in every four contained errors serious Research enough to result in the denial of credit, a The Michigan Office of Financial and mortgage, employment or apartment rent- Insurance Services Commissioner Linda al. PIRGIM has been working to require A. Watters has worked to ban the use of Some of the reports PIRGIM wrote and credit bureaus to ensure accuracy. credit scoring in setting automobile and released this year include: home insurance rates. “Until credit reporting becomes accurate, • “Clean Water Enforcement Report Card: PIRGIM recommends that you get a copy “I proposed these rules because I believe How Nine States’ Regulations Measure Up” of your credit report and carefully review that using credit scores to determine insur- it for errors,” said Owens. ance rates is unfair and does not conform • “Danger In The Air: Unhealthy Levels Of with the requirements of the Essential Air Pollution In 2003” New federal legislation gives consumers Insurance Act,” Watters said. The state the right to receive one free copy of each estimates that ending credit scoring would • “Fishing For Trouble: How Toxic Mercury of their credit reports each year. PIRGIM reduce insurance rates 10-45 percent. Contaminates Fish In U.S. Waterways”

• “Mistakes Do Happen: A Look At Errors In Consumer Credit Reports”

• “Policing Privacy: Michigan Law Enforcement Officers On the Challenges of Tackling Identity Theft”

• “Pollution On The Rise: Local Trends In Power Plant Pollution”

• “Reel Danger: Power Plant Mercury Emissions and the Fish We Eat”

• “Trouble In Toyland”

Rep Kathy Angerer (right) appears with PIRGIMʼs Megan Owens on Michigan public television to call for identity theft reform. PIRGIM was instrumental in the passage of a new law that helps victims of In Their Own Words identity theft recover and limits ways that companies can use Michiganders personal information. worked to ensure that people across PIRGIM testified at several hearings held Michigan know about the new right and on banning insurance credit scoring, us- take advantage of it. ing the report on credit report errors as an example. Sen. Michael Banning Insurance Credit Scoring Bishop For several years, insurance companies Unfortunately, insurance companies sued Michigan state in Michigan have used credit reports as a to stop the stateʼs rule, so the rule has not senator, Rochester factor in deciding how much to charge for been implemented yet. “PIRGIM played an important role in auto and homeowners insurance. Credit helping me pass critical legislation to scoring, as the practice is called, hurts PIRGIM had an extremely successful year protect the people of Michigan from consumers, since it bases insurance rates in protecting Michiganʼs consumers, and identity theft. They offered smart on behavior unrelated to insurance risk. we look forward to continuing to tackle policy solutions, assisted my staff in identity theft, credit scoring, predatory developing strong legislation, testified “Our credit card interest rates arenʼt de- lending and other issues of importance on the benefits of this legislation be- cided by our driving record, so our car in- to Michiganʼs consumers. fore committees, and worked diligent- ly to make this legislation into law.” TOWARD A NEW ENERGY FUTURE The Bush administration reduced diesel pollution, but did not curb power plant pollution

• Reduce global warming carbon dioxide PIRGIM research showed the health risks of air pollution and emissions from Michiganʼs power plants illustrated how clean energy would benefit Michigan by 30 percent of 2002 levels.

“Investing in renewable energy and en- Michiganʼs reliance on coal, oil, gas, coal, oil, gas and nuclear subsidies to sup- ergy efficiency is a win for Michiganʼs and nuclear power for electricity has left port efficiency and renewable energy. economy and a win for Michiganʼs con- a legacy of environmental and public sumers,” said PIRGIMʼs Field Organizer health problems and skyrocketing bills The report showed that clean energy solu- Jason Barbose. “Politicians are fresh out for ratepayers. tions would: of excuses for ignoring clean energy solutions.” Investing in clean energy policies will • Create 5,770 jobs in Michigan by generate new high-paying jobs and 2020; Energy Efficiency Education save consumers and businesses billions PIRGIM Education Fund teamed up with of dollars, while significantly reducing • Increase wages in Michigan by $141 mil- the Consumer Federation of America and pollution. lion over current projections in 2020; the U.S. EPAʼs ENERGY STAR program to educate Michigan residents about how At the federal level, PIRGIM fought • Save residential, commercial and indus- to save energy. to establish energy policies that would trial consumers $567 million on electric- promote renewable energy production ity bills and $622 million on natural gas Using energy efficiently means less en- such as wind and solar, cut subsidies bills in 2020; ergy is generated by power plants, which to big energy companies, and protect means less air pollution and less global environmentally sensitive areas like the warming pollution. Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from oil and gas drilling. The average family spends $1,400 a year on energy bills, nearly half of which goes In Michigan, PIRGIM supported policies to heating and cooling. that would promote renewable energy production and increase efficiency stan- PIRGIM developed a list of simple things dards for buildings and appliances. families can do to reduce energy use in their homes. Over 250 PIRGIM members Clean Energy Good For Economy signed a pledge to take these actions in On the same day that the U.S. Congress their home. considered an energy bill built on fossil fuels, PIRGIM released a report that “One great way consumers can fight back outlined the benefits of clean energy to against ever-increasing energy bills is by consumers, the economy and the envi- being smarter about energy use in their ronment. homes,” said Megan Owens, PIRGIM consumer advocate. “This is yet another PIRGIM Federal Legislative Director Anna The report urged lawmakers to derive 20 Aurillio (at podium) at “State of Americaʼs example of where the right thing for the percent of our power from clean sources Environment” press conference. environment is also the right thing for by 2020 and shift billions in proposed saving money.”

PIRGIM 7. Air Pollution Linked To Early Death EPA Cuts Down Diesel Pollution PIRGIM joined the National Environmen- In May 2004, the U.S. Environmental tal Trust, the American Lung Association Protection Agency finalized a major rule Outreach of Michigan and the Michigan Environ- to cut diesel air pollution from construc- mental Council in releasing a new report tion, farm and industrial equipment by PIRGIM educated residents in Michigan on the health impacts of Michiganʼs air more than 90 percent. about how to reduce their energy use. Here pollution. are the top five ways you can cut home EPA estimated that, once fully imple- energy costs: The study “Dirty Air, Dirty Power” found mented, the new diesel rule will prevent that pollution from power plants causes 12,000 premature deaths, 15,000 heart at- • Change five frequently used light bulbs 24,000 asthma attacks, 1,700 non-fatal tacks, and 6,000 childrenʼs asthma-related or light fixtures to compact fluorescents or heart attacks and 980 premature deaths emergency room visits each year. other ENERGY STAR-labeled products. each year in Michigan. “Itʼs remarkable that these strong rules • Install a programmable thermostat to The number of premature deaths from come from the same administration that efficiently control your home’s temperature power plant pollution in Michigan exceeds has otherwise turned back the clock on and avoid unneeded heating and cooling at night and when you’re not at home.

• Use sleep-mode on your computer and turn off your computer and other appliances when not using them.

• Look for ENERGY STAR-labeled products when shopping for appliances, home electronics, windows, doors and heating and cooling equipment. Energy Star-qualified products meet strict energy-efficiency criteria set by the U.S. EPA and U.S. Department of Energy.

• Tell family, friends and colleagues about the benefits of energy efficiency.

Creating more of Michiganʼs energy with renewable sources, like the wind turbines pictured here, would reduce air pollution, protect public health and boost Michiganʼs economy. In Their Own Words

Michiganʼs annual death toll from drunk 30 years of environmental progress,” said driving (490) and homicides (670). Barbose. “Itʼs great to see science win out Steven over the special interests for a change,” Chester PIRGIM and the other groups used the he concluded. Director, Michigan report to urge that the nationʼs aging fleet Department of of power plants use modern pollution con- Building off these successes in 2004, Environmental trols, preventing the majority of the health PIRGIM is launching a more aggressive Quality effects from power plant pollution. federal and state “New Energy Future” “With the assistance of public inter- campaign. est groups like PIRGIM, we need to “The Bush administration could solve this educate the public and the Legislature problem,” said Barbose. “Just by enforc- The campaign will include a ground- about the importance of funding to do ing current law many lives could be saved. breaking study on Michiganʼs energy our job protecting the environment.” But instead, this administration lets pol- deregulation experiment as well as a push luters rewrite the rules, weakening current for state legislation to mandate renewable law while passing it off as progress.” energy and energy efficiency. REVITALIZING DEMOCRACY PIRGIM registered more than 20,000 youth and minority voters in 2004

Our “Look Whoʼs Not Coming to Wash- PIRGIM led a massive voter registration effort and mobilized ington” report highlighted the influence thousands of Michigan residents to take action on the issues of money and special interest lobbying on our federal representatives.

The past year was a politically charged Research And Outreach Our extensive “e-activist” e-mail network one, and PIRGIMʼs mission of “fostering Beyond voter registration, PIRGIM was generated tens of thousands of citizen fair, democratic government” was high very active in mobilizing our members comments on issues ranging from federal on our agenda. and others through our extensive field energy policy to identity theft to clean and community outreach. water enforcement in Michigan. Voter Registration Perhaps our largest contribution came We distributed legislative scorecards to “This was a banner year for Michigan from our New Voters Project and Com- thousands of PIRGIM members, so that in our ongoing quest to bring govern- munity Voters Project. Michigan residents are aware of how ment back to the people,” said Shriberg. their leaders voted on key public inter- “PIRGIM will build on and expand this These projects, which focus on youth est issues and can hold elected officials work so that our members and all Michi- voters and minority voters, respectively, accountable. gan citizensʼ voices will be heard.” generated more than 20,000 voter regis- trations as well as over 20,000 “Get Out the Vote” contacts in Michigan.

Nationally, the state PIRGsʼ voter regis- tration efforts brought 616,000 voters to the polls. Participation in the election by those under the age of 25 increased by an astounding 25 percent.

PIRGIMʼs strategy was nonpartisan, cooperative and aimed squarely at the grassroots level.

“Research shows that young people are more effectively persuaded to vote when theyʼre asked by another young person,” said PIRGIM Director Mike Shriberg. “Iʼm proud of what Michiganʼs youth Ivan Frishberg, an advocate in PIRGIMʼs Washington, D.C., office, is interviewed on CNN about the New Voters Project, PIRGʼs nationwide voter registration project. accomplished in mobilizing their peers during this critical year.”

Financial Information FY04 Income FY04 Expenses

Charts reflect financial information for Citizen Contributions 73% Program 71% PIRGIM, PIRGIM Education Fund and Foundation Grants 20% Fundraising 22% PIRGIM’s citizen outreach programs. Other 7% Administrative 7%

9. PIRGIM SUPPORTERS PIRGIM and PIRGIM Education Fund

Foundations Citizen support is the cornerstone of PIRGIM and PIRGIM Education Fund. Public Interest Research Group In Thousands of Michiganders supported PIRGIM by making membership Michigan Education Fund, a 501(c)(3) contributions in Fiscal Year 2004. The members listed below organization, conducts research and were particularly generous in backing the organizationʼs public education on emerging public research and advocacy. Names that appear in italics denote interest issues. Contributions to the PIRGIM Public Interest Partners. These members provide PIRGIM Education Fund are tax- stability to the organizationʼs resources through our monthly deductible. The following foundations giving program. and organizations have given their support to the PIRGIM Education Fund: Development Committee Sponsors The following members are part of the Devel- The following members supported PIRGIM • Consumer Federation of America opment Committee, who supported PIRGIM with contributions of $250-$499 or are Public Foundation with contributions of $1,000 or more or are Interest Partners giving $20-$39 per month. • Educational Foundation of America Public Interest Partners giving $80 or more • Great Lakes Aquatic Habitat Network each month. Katherine E. Ankenbrandt • Sara Epple Baitch • Steven C. Bassett • Dan Boe • Gregoire & Fund John Morris Bolduc • Donna Bookholder • Gregory • Jackson County Community Douglas H. Phelps Bower • Luigi Bruni •Janet Burke • Mary Jo Foundation Jeanne Raisler Byrnes • Josephine D. Casgrain • Xi Chen • JANA Foundation • Nadine Davis • Dirk Dragt • Georganne • Kalamazoo Community Foundation Patrons Ehlert • Pamela Flick • Julia Freije • Barton • Michigan Environmental Council The following members are Patrons, who sup- Grimm • Lynn Hartung • Daniel Hollander • • Michigan Utility Consumer ported PIRGIM with contributions of $500- Amanda Huyck • Peter & Beth Janick • Linda Representation Fund $999 or are Public Interest Partners giving Johnson • Arlene Kalis • Kathryn Kendall • • Patagonia, Inc. $40-$79 each month. Tom Kladzyk • Regina Kroliskowski • Shirley Lewis • Jennifer Masek •Mary C. Mazure • Pat • The Beldon Fund Ann Alpern Mccormick • Betsy Mehr • Pamela Murray • Jeanne Berkowitz John Nelson • Coco Newton • Amy Nicholas Planned Giving Stephen Brown • Marcia Parven • Nhan Pham • James Pisik • Members who include PIRGIM in their Susan Carron Elaine Pomeranz • Don Quinn • Kurt Riegel • wills leave a legacy of activism that St. Michael Catholic Community Bill Rohlfing • Louis Rosenfeld • Thomas Ryan will preserve our environment, protect Barbara & Lyle Danuloff • Matt Schonfield • John Schramm • Marilyn public health, and defend the rights of Jacque Eccles Shalibo • Wayne Shook • Peter Smereka • consumers for decades to come. Manju Garg Michael E. Smerza • Pattie Stoner • Mary Kathy Giancarlo Taylor • Robert Taylor • Nancy Twiss • Steve Douglas B. Jester, Jr. Van Nocker • Jane S. Voorhorst • Kwame For more information about including Jim Oakley Waters • Richard Wilhelm • Barbara Wilson PIRGIM in your estate and major Ravi Soni • Todd Wolf • William Worth • Shirley Zempel giving plans, call (800) 841-7299 or Gwen Tarbox • Mark Zykin e-mail [email protected].

FY04 Program Expenses Breakdown Photo Credits

Mercury-Free Michigan 34% Staff photos: Jan Pelton. All other photos taken by Program 71% PIRG staff except as noted: p. 3: National Oceanic Fundraising 22% Open Space Protection 29% And Atmospheric Administration; p. 4: Channel 6 Administrative 7% Forests and Preservation 20% News; p. 5: Michigan Public Television; p. 6: ABC News; p. 8: Photostogo.com; p. 9 CNN Consumer and Government 12% Design by Public Interest GRFX (215) 985-1113; Clean Water 4% Editing and layout by The Principled Pen (267) 514-8846. Printed by Foxfire Printing. Printed on recycled paper. 2004 Annual Report Public Interest Research Group In Michigan

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