public citizen
May 1, 2024 -
This year will be the first election cycle to be impacted by the widespread use of artificial intelligence, technology that could spread disinformation that impacts already marginalized communities. State and federal lawmakers are now scrambling to implement measures to help safeguard the electoral process.
April 25, 2018 -
The first peer-reviewed study of ads bought on Facebook to influence the 2016 election is renewing calls for Congress to pass the Honest Ads Act, which would close disclosure loopholes for political ads on social media. The stalled bill is opposed by groups including Americans for Prosperity and an anti-regulatory think tank with a connection to Senate leader Mitch McConnell.
December 15, 2017 -
The project's developers are airing TV commercials claiming that the fracked-gas pipeline would be an economic boon for North Carolina. But a new economic analysis adds to a growing body of evidence that calls those claims into question.
September 22, 2017 -
A new report by Oil Change International shows how federal regulators' failure to adequately consider companies' justification for new fracked gas pipelines means utility ratepayers could end up footing the bill for costly and environmentally harmful projects that aren't needed.
May 6, 2015 -
Over 100 corporations will receive shareholder resolutions this year calling on them to voluntarily disclose their political spending and lobbying activities. Some companies have already begun disclosing this information voluntarily, including North Carolina-based tobacco giant Reynolds American.
December 4, 2014 -
As President Obama renews his push for two global economic accords, it's a good time to look back at the push to approve the North American Free Trade Agreement -- a deal that has been especially devastating for Southern states.
September 4, 2014 -
With money pouring in from groups that don't have to disclose their donors, this is being called the "Dark Money Election." But a number of innovative initiatives are underway to limit money in politics and to promote reforms that give political power back to ordinary Americans.