consumer advocates

The Trump administration's new Medicaid work rule requires recipients to document exemptions, such as a doctor's note, to avoid losing coverage starting next year. Consumer advocates warn the policy may disproportionately affect individuals unable to meet work requirements.

Duke Energy in North Carolina faces pressure from clean energy and consumer advocates to implement special rules and pricing for data centers, aligning with a national trend. The utility company argues such measures are unnecessary, claiming data centers will not overwhelm the grid.

The bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act, intended to shield consumers from rising electricity costs linked to datacenters, is criticized for being largely voluntary and ineffective. Consumer advocates argue the bill, supported by Microsoft, fails to address the true costs of datacenters and may increase prices for working people.

The FTC is attempting to address hidden fees in car sales by promoting all-in pricing, but dealerships continue to advertise low prices while adding mandatory charges later. Buyers often face unexpected costs like documentation fees and dealer-installed accessories, leading to final prices higher than advertised. Dealers defend the practice as necessary due to complex pricing structures and competitive pressures.

Colorado's governor vetoed a bill that would have banned surveillance pricing, the strongest measure against algorithmic pricing. Consumer advocates criticized the decision, arguing it favors corporations over workers. Maryland had already passed a similar law in April, but Colorado's proposal was more comprehensive.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis vetoed a bill that would have banned surveillance pricing for wages and consumer goods, the strongest such measure in the nation. Consumer advocates criticized the decision, while Maryland previously approved a similar law for grocery stores.

Colorado's governor vetoed a bill that would have banned surveillance pricing for setting wages and consumer prices. Consumer advocates criticized the veto, and Maryland had previously passed a narrower law against surveillance pricing in grocery stores.

Cheaper alternative health plans are gaining attention, but consumer advocates label them 'junk insurance.' Proponents argue restricting these alternatives could increase the number of uninsured individuals.

California regulators denied Southern California Gas permission to collect $266 million from customers to fund a hydrogen pipeline network. Environmental and consumer advocates supported the decision, viewing it as a victory against customer-funded projects they oppose.

John Deere is paying farmers $99 million to settle allegations of monopolizing tractor repair services, a move consumer advocates argue does not adequately address ongoing right-to-repair concerns.