NCL Blasts FTC for Undermining Table Saw Safety Standards

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829 

Washington, DC – The National Consumers League (NCL) strongly opposes the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) recommendation to roll back proposed safety standards for table saws. Each year, an estimated 54,850 Americans suffer blade-contact injuries—including 4,000 amputations—costing victims their livelihoods and society more than $4 billion annually. 

Active Injury Mitigation (AIM) technology has been available for years. It stops spinning blades in under five milliseconds, preventing 70–90% of injuries. This proven, life-saving technology turns devastating amputations into minor cuts. Yet most manufacturers continue to resist safety mandates. 

“It is outrageous that the FTC would put the profits of table saw manufacturers over the safety of American workers and families,” said NCL CEO Sally Greenberg. In industry terms this is, technology neutral. AIM technology prevents injuries, and calling it anticompetitive is a slap in the face to the tens of thousands of people maimed every year. No one should lose a hand or a career because regulators refused to act.”  

Today’s news underscores why NCL is building a coalition of victims, medical experts, and lawmakers to demand nationwide adoption of AIM technology. We will not back down until every consumer is protected from preventable harm. 

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)      

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.    

National Consumers League Statement on FTC Suit Against Live Nation and Ticketmaster

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829 

Washington, DC – The National Consumers League (NCL) today welcomed the announcement that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and a bipartisan group of state attorneys general have sued Live Nation and Ticketmaster.  The complaint alleges that Live Nation and its Ticketmaster subsidiary rigged the system with deceptive pricing and shady broker deals, raking in hundreds of millions while sticking fans with billions in bogus fees and inflated prices.  

The following statement is attributable to John Breyault, Vice President of Public Policy, Telecommunications, and Fraud, National Consumers League: 

“NCL applauds the FTC and state attorneys general for bringing this landmark action against Live Nation and Ticketmaster. The allegations laid out by the FTC make clear what NCL has long argued: far from being an innocent victim of ticket resale, Live Nation profits from it immensely. By working hand-in-glove with ticket brokers to circumvent ticket limits and then reaping billions in fees on the resale market, Live Nation has sought to corner the secondary ticketing market just as it has monopolized the rest of the live events industry.” 

“For years, consumers and artists alike have paid the price for this anticompetitive and deceptive conduct—through hidden fees, inflated resale prices, and diminished trust in the live event marketplace. Today’s action is a vital step toward holding Live Nation accountable, restoring fairness, and ensuring that fans, not monopolists, are the ones who come first in live entertainment. It also underscores the urgent need for Congress to pass the bipartisan TICKET Act (H.R. 1402/S. 281), which would codify much-needed transparency and consumer protections into law, ensuring lasting reform of a market long tilted against fans.” 

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)      

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org. 

NCL Applauds Introduction of Deceptive Downsizing Prohibition Act

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829 

Today, Congressman Correa introduced the Deceptive Downsizing Prohibition Act, a bill that would prevent misleading practices in product packaging, including undisclosed shrinkflation. The National Consumers League (NCL), Consumer Action, Consumer Federation of America, Consumer World, and Public Citizen have endorsed the bill.

“Healthy markets require transparency,” said NCL Vice President of Public Policy, Telecommunications, and Fraud John Breyault. “We appreciate that Congressman Correa is leading the charge on this commonsense policy. Consumers deserve to know if they will receive less product than they expect.”

The legislation would prohibit the sale of diminished product amounts without a reduction in packaging size. If businesses choose not to reduce their packaging size, they would have to clearly label on the product that the contents are reduced or face penalties under federal law.

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)      

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.    

Trump-Vance DOT Tees Up Abandonment of Airline Consumer Protection Law   

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829 

Washington, DC –   In its recently released regulatory agenda, the Trump-Vance Administration announced plans to abandon significant pieces of consumer protection law in air travel. The document previewed initiatives that include allowing airlines to use deceptive pricing and leave passengers stranded without mandatory care requirements, like food or lodging.    

While DOT has not released the full details of its proposals, many of the plans appear to violate legal mandates Congress charged DOT with executing. For example, longstanding law prohibits deceptive practices in air travel. Yet Transportation Secretary Duffy plans to remove basic price-transparency protections that enable fair marketplace competition.   

“This is the clearest signal so far that this DOT plans to ignore its public interest mission” said NCL Vice President of Public Policy, Telecommunications, and Fraud John Breyault. “Not only is this administration failing to implement long delayed protections, like those for families traveling with young children, it is preparing to claw back protections already in place for the flying public.”   

The agenda announced adverse actions to the following consumer protections:  

  • The Full Fare Advertising Rule, which requires airlines to include all mandatory charges in advertised prices.  
  • The Ancillary Fee Transparency Rule, which requires airlines to disclose common add-on fees at the beginning of the purchasing process.  
  •  The Automatic Refund Rule, which requires airlines to automatically refund consumers’ airfare in the event of a flight cancellation or the spread of serious communicable diseases.  
  • The Airline Passenger Rights Rulemaking, which would have required airlines to provide care (food and lodging) to stranded passengers and cash compensation for controllable flight disruptions.  

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)      

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.    

Congress, Public Interest Advocates File Amicus Fighting for the Independence of the CPSC

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829 

Washington, DC — Senator Amy Klobuchar led 25 other members of Congress in filing an amicus brief urging the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals to preserve the independence and effectiveness of the Consumer Safety Product Commission (CSPC).  In May, the Trump Administration attempted to illegally fire Commissioners Alexander Hoehn-Saric, Richard Trumka, and Mary T. Boyle.

“The National Consumers League applauds Senator Klobuchar and her fellow amici for defending the spirit and letter of the law, decades of Supreme Court precedent, and the CPSC’s ability to carry out its lifesaving mission,” said Daniel Greene, Senior Director of Consumer Protection & Product Safety at the National Consumers League.  

The National Consumers League, Consumer Federation of America, and other leading consumer protection advocates also filed an amicus brief.

“The CPSC’s independence ensures that the agency is mission-driven, guided by experts and science, and insulated from changing political tides.  Silencing the voices of subject-matter experts with whom you politically disagree does not improve government efficiency. It just leads to more unnecessary deaths and more unnecessary injuries.”

In July, the National Consumers League led a letter signed by 100 stakeholders, calling on the administration to cease its attempt to fire the three Democratic CPSC Commissioners illegally. A copy of the letter can be found HERE

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)      

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet

CPSC Abandons Critical Safety Rulemakings, Leaving Consumers at Risk

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829 

Washington, DC – Yesterday, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) withdrew several proposed rules to mitigate product safety dangers, including hazards posed by table saws, off-highway vehicles, and aerosol duster products.

“The withdrawal of vital safety rulemakings is not grounded in evidence or morality, but in politics and cruelty,” said Daniel Greene, the Senior Director of Consumer Protections & Product Safety.  “Hazardous table saws, toxic aerosol dusters, and structurally weak recreational vehicles are a choice, not an inevitability.  The CPSC chose less safety and more amputations, impalements, and poisonings.  It’s time for Congress to do what the CPSC won’t—put safety first and require these safety standards by law.”

In July, NCL led a letter of 121 advocates opposing plans to eliminate the CPSC and transfer the agency’s functions to HHS and a letter of 100 advocates calling on the Trump administration to rescind the unlawful attempted removal of the Democratic CPSC Commissioners.

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)      

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.    

National Consumers League Applauds FTC Crackdown on Ticket Brokers, Calls for Swift Passage of TICKET Act

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829 

Washington, DC – The National Consumers League (NCL) today praised the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for bringing an enforcement action against Key Investment Group and its affiliates for violations of the Better Online Ticket Sales Act of 2016 (BOTS Act). The companies allegedly used bots and other illegal tactics to evade ticket purchase limits, scooping up hundreds of thousands of tickets and reselling them—including on Ticketmaster’s own resale platform and often at inflated prices—to unsuspecting fans. 

This is only the second time in nearly a decade that the FTC has enforced the BOTS Act. 

John Breyault, NCL Vice President of Public Policy, Telecommunications, and Fraud, issued the following statement: 

“This action sends a clear message: the FTC is willing to take on ticket brokers who cheat the system and fans alike. But two enforcement cases in nearly ten years are not enough. Consumers deserve more than sporadic crackdowns—they deserve lasting protections. 

That’s why Congress must act. The bipartisan TICKET Act would outlaw deceptive ticketing practices, require all-in pricing, and ensure real accountability for bad actors. Fans shouldn’t need a law degree to buy a concert ticket. Passing the TICKET Act would bring the fairness and transparency consumers have been promised for years.” 

NCL has long advocated for stronger consumer safeguards in the live event marketplace, helping lay the groundwork for passage of the original BOTS Act. Today’s action, the group emphasized, underscores the urgency of finishing the job by enacting comprehensive reform through the TICKET Act. 

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)      

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.    

Legal Victory for Consumers: NCL Lawsuit Against Starbucks Moves Forward

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829 

Washington, DC – The National Consumers League (NCL) won an important legal victory this week in its case against Starbucks when a Superior Court judge in the District of Columbia rejected the company’s motion to dismiss a lawsuit brought by NCL. 

“Consumers have a right to truthful information under Washington, D.C. law, and this decision is a major step forward to enforcing it,” said Sally Greenberg, NCL CEO. “NCL will pursue our case holding Starbucks accountable as we fight for the consumer’s right to truth, transparency, and basic human rights in the products they consume.” 

NCL sued Starbucks in January 2024 because of the company’s claims that it abides by “100% ethical” sourcing of its coffee and tea products. NCL is arguing that Starbucks’ claims don’t match the reality of its supply chain, which includes farms linked to child labor and other serious abuses. This ruling means that after over a year and a half of delay tactics by Starbucks, the case can finally move forward.  

More details on the lawsuit are below. The court’s order denying Starbucks’ motion to dismiss can be found here. 

NCL’s initial statement regarding the lawsuit can be found here.  

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)      

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.    

NCL Decries SCOTUS Decision Allowing Dismissal of CPSC Commissioners to Stand

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829 

Washington, DC – The Supreme Court of the United States, in a 6-3 decision, has upheld the President’s dismissal of three Democratic Commissioners of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) as the broader merits of the firing are being adjudicated in the courts. 

“This is a sad day for product safety and the rule of law in the United States,” said Daniel Greene, Senior Director of Consumer Protection & Product Safety. “Congress deliberately established an independent, nonpartisan agency with exclusive authority over the safety of consumer products. This independence ensures that the CPSC is mission-driven, guided by experts and science, and insulated from changing political tides. In allowing this illegal firing to stand, the Court’s stay is inconsistent with the spirit and letter of the law.” 

On May 8, the Trump administration attempted to illegally fire Commissioners Alexander Hoehn-Saric, Richard Trumka, and Mary T. Boyle, who were later reinstated by court order. In contravention of the law, no “neglect of duty or malfeasance” has been alleged. 

Yesterday, 100 stakeholders sent a letter to President Trump calling on the administration to cease its illegal attempt to fire the three Democratic CPSC Commissioners. A copy of the letter can be found HERE 

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)      

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.    

100 Stakeholders Call on the Trump Administration to End Assault on the Independence of the CPSC 

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829 

Washington, DC— The National Consumers League, Consumer Federation of America, and Consumer Reports led a letter signed by 100 stakeholders calling on President Trump to rescind the unlawful attempted removal of the Democratic Commissioners at the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).  On May 8th, the Trump administration attempted to illegally fire Commissioners Alexander Hoehn-Saric, Richard Trumka, and Mary T. Boyle, who were later reinstated by court order. 

“This unlawful effort to dismantle the leadership and bipartisanship of the CPSC will significantly undermine the Agency’s ability to protect the health and safety of the American people through the creation of strong safety standards, recalls of hazardous products, and educational campaigns,” the letter states.  “Diverse perspectives improve safety.  Silencing the voices of subject matter experts with whom you politically disagree would have a chilling effect on the CPSC’s functions.  We urge you to reverse course and ensure that Commissioners Hoehn-Saric, Trumka, and Boyle are reinstated to serve the remainder of their statutorily granted terms.” 

A copy of the letter can be found HERE 

Letter cosigners: 

National Consumers League 

Consumer Federation of America 

Consumer Reports 

Access Ready Inc. 

Aden Lamps Foundation 

Aging Life Care Association 

America Walks 

American Academy of Pediatrics, Arizona Chapter 

American Academy of Pediatrics, Florida Chapter 

American Academy of Pediatrics, Georgia Chapter 

American Academy of Pediatrics, Idaho Chapter 

American Academy of Pediatrics, Virginia Chapter 

American Academy of Pediatrics, Washington D.C. Chapter 

American Academy of Pediatrics, West Virginia Chapter 

Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota 

Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia 

Bicycle Colorado 

Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute 

Bike Cleveland 

Bike LA 

Bike Pittsburgh 

BioInjury, LLC 

California Bicycle Coalition 

Center for Auto Safety 

Center for Digital Democracy 

Center for Economic Integrity  

Center for Economic Justice 

Center for Justice & Democracy 

Center for Pet Safety 

Child Care Aware of Virginia 

Claire Bear Foundation 

Consumer Action 

Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety 

Cribs for Kids 

Derrick Stone Safe Sleep 

Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund 

Earth Ethics, Inc. 

Families for Safe Streets 

First Candle 

Food Empowerment Project 

Government Information Watch 

Green America 

Hawai’i Bicycling League 

Healthy Babies Bright Futures 

Homestretch Nonprofit Housing Corp. 

Housing and Economic Rights Advocates 

Just Strategy 

Keeping Babies Safe 

Kids and Car Safety 

League of American Bicyclists 

Living Streets Alliance 

Local Motion 

Main Street Academies 

Maine People’s Alliance 

Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition 

Missourians for Responsible Transportation 

Napa County Bicycle Coalition 

National Bicycle Dealers Association 

National Coalition for Safer Roads  

National Drowning Prevention Alliance 

Oregon Consumer Justice 

Oregon Consumer League 

PediMom LLC 

People Power United 

Responsible Sourcing Network 

Ride Illinois 

Safe Infant Sleep 

Safety Research & Strategies  

Sciencecorps 

Shepard’s Watch 

Stop Drowning Now 

StopDistractions.org 

The National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Association  

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) 

The Wisconsin Bike Federation 

Together We Thrive, Inc.  

Trailnet 

Truck Safety Coalition 

United States Swim School Association 

Unleaded Kids 

US Swim School Association  

Virginia Citizens Consumer Council 

Washington Area Bicyclist Association 

West Virginia Citizen Action Group 

Women in Fire 

Justin Raphael, Product Safety Advocate 

Kelli Schweigart, Product Safety Advocate 

Kristina Knapp, Product Safety Advocate 

Mary Jagim, Product Safety Advocate 

Mayra Romero-Ferman, Product Safety Advocate 

Melissa Wandall, Product Safety Advocate 

Michael Haggard, Product Safety Advocate 

Nina Batista, Product Safety Advocate 

Pamela Gilbert, Product Safety Advocate 

Paul Susca, Product Safety Advocate 

Sandeep Khatua, Product Safety Advocate 

Sara Thompson, Parent Advocate 

Sofia Diaz, Product Safety Advocate 

Stephen Hargarten MD MPH, Product Safety Advocate 

Taylor Bethard, Parent Advocate 

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)      

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.