As Gas Prices Continue to Rise, Senator Markey and NCL Call on Trump Administration to End Rollback of Fuel Economy Standards That Save Americans Money at the Pump

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

Washington DC— (May 12, 2026) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, will host a press conference TOMORROW, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 12:00PM EST to call on the Trump administration to end its proposed rule to roll back Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, which save money for drivers and reduce oil consumption. President Trump’s war of choice in Iran has caused gas prices to spike by more than $1.50 in just over two months.

Senator Markey has been a fuel economy champion since the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 included fuel economy language co-authored by then-Rep. Markey to push for more protective standards.

WHO: Senator Markey

— Daniel Greene, Senior Director of Consumer Protection & Product Safety at the National Consumers League

— Almeta Cooper, National Manager for Health Justice for Moms Clean Air Force

— Small Business Owner

WHEN: Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 12:00PM EST

WHERE: Russell Senate Office Building, SR-198

The press conference will be livestreamed to Senator Markey’s Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, and Twitch.

Press should RSVP to Markey_Press@markey.senate.gov

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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.

Rising Grocery Prices Continue to Hammer American Families Says National Consumers League

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

Washington, DC – New federal food price forecasts paint a troubling picture for American consumers: grocery prices are expected to keep rising in 2026, further straining household budgets nationwide. According to the 2026 Consumer Price Index Summary, prices increased 0.6% on a seasonally adjusted basis in a single month, pushing annual inflation to 3.8% — the highest level recorded since May 2023.

“Consumers feel battered every time they walk into a grocery store,” said Sally Greenberg, CEO of the National Consumers League. “Families are paying more for basics like meat, bread, beverages, and produce while wages simply are not keeping pace with the rising cost of living. For millions of Americans, grocery shopping is no longer routine — it’s financially stressful.”

Some of the sharpest price increases are hitting everyday essentials that consumers rely on most. Grocery prices rose 2.9 percent over the past year, while fruits and vegetables jumped 6.1 percent, and nonalcoholic beverages increased 5.1 percent. Restaurant prices also climbed 3.6 percent over the last year, continuing to strain household budgets.

“At a moment when Americans are already stretched thin, consumers deserve transparency, accountability, and meaningful action to address affordability,” Greenberg added. “No family should have to choose between putting food on the table and paying for medicine, rent, or utilities. To add insult to injury are the skyrocketing gas prices.”

NCL warns that rising food prices disproportionately harm working families, seniors on fixed incomes, and low-income households already burdened by higher housing, healthcare, and childcare costs. We are calling on policymakers to closely examine market conditions, supply chain pressures, and industry practices that contribute to persistently high food prices — particularly in concentrated industries where consumers have little protection from price spikes.

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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.

Georgia Wins the 2026 Junior Varsity National LifeSmarts Championship

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Congratulations, Georgia!

The third annual Virtual Junior Varsity National LifeSmarts Championship was held May 6th and 7th, with seventeen LifeSmarts State Junior Varsity Champion teams from across the country competing.  The LifeSmarts Junior Varsity level involves students who are currently in grades 6 – 8.

Teams of 4 to 5 students competed virtually in East and West Divisions with the top two teams in each division advancing to the semi-finals on Thursday, May 7th.  The winner of each semi-final competition advanced to the final competition match.

The teams from Georgia (Cobb County 4-H Junior Varsity, Georgia 4-H) and Missouri (Red – y to Win, Miller Middle School) were the East division semi-finalists while Nebraska (Cross County JV, Cross County Community Schools) and Colorado (Larimer County 4-H JV) were the West division semi-finalists. In very close semi-final matches, Georgia and Nebraska advanced to the 2026 Junior Varsity National Championship Finals.

In a hard-fought match where the lead went back and forth, Georgia won the Junior Varsity National LifeSmarts Championship title.  The Georgia team members are Navin Natarajan; Ky’Lan Mullins, Joy Patadia, and Tara Manickaraj, and coaches are Colleen Bakhsh and Kathleen McElroy.

The team earns the title of Junior Varsity National LifeSmarts Champion, LifeSmarts Champion medallions, a cash award for the team, and other prizes courtesy of LifeSmarts and LifeSmarts sponsors.

Nebraska took second place, with Missouri and Colorado tying for third place. Also competing in the National Championship were teams from Arkansas, California, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas and Wisconsin.

LifeSmarts is the youth consumer education, leadership, and scholarship program run by the Washington, DC-based National Consumers League (NCL), the nation’s oldest consumer advocacy organization. It competitively tests junior high / middle school, and high school student’s knowledge of five topic areas including consumer rights & responsibilities, personal finance, health & safety, technology & workforce preparation, and the environment in online and in-person competitions using a quiz bowl-style format. LifeSmarts is available in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and in partnership with student leadership programs including Student Government, 4-H, BPA, FBLA, FCCLA, and SkillsUSA. To learn more about, visit LifeSmarts.

Chocolate Scorecard 2026 Reveals Most Companies Still Failing Children and Cocoa Farmers —but Making Progress on Transparency

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

Washington, DC – The National Consumers League (NCL) and its organization, the Child Labor Coalition (CLC), are proud to participate in the Annual Chocolate Scorecard, an initiative coordinated by Be Slavery Free, an Australian coalition campaigning against modern slavery. This campaign aims to raise awareness about child labor in chocolate production, promote ethical sourcing, and empower consumers to choose chocolate that aligns with their values.

The Chocolate Scorecard evaluates 49 leading chocolate companies and retailers representing about 90 percent of the global cocoa supply chain. Now in its seventh year, the Scorecard shows meaningful progress in corporate transparency, especially on child labor reporting and farmer income. Yet most companies still fall short of ensuring that farmers earn a living income or of addressing the root causes of child labor.

“The chocolate industry can no longer hide behind promises or partial progress,” said NCL CEO Sally Greenberg. “If companies are serious about ending child labor, they must pay farmers fairly and invest in the communities that sustain their supply chains. Transparency is a start—but accountability is what will drive real change. The CLC calls on companies, policymakers, and consumers to use the Scorecard as a mandate for immediate action: demand concrete steps, clear timelines, and measurable progress in protecting children and ensuring farmer livelihoods throughout the chocolate industry.”

Participation has grown, and nearly all companies with relevant data now disclose their child labor practices. The share of farmers with “unknown” incomes fell sharply from 55 percent last year to 15 percent, greatly improving supply chain visibility.

A few companies, such as HALBA, demonstrate that ethical sourcing at scale is possible—HALBA earned top marks for living income, traceability, and sustainability. Across the industry, 80% of companies do not ensure a living income for farmers; 70% fall short on reducing pesticide risks, and most address symptoms rather than the causes of child labor. The Scorecard also recognizes a handful of companies making meaningful strides, including Original Beans, Coop, The Hershey Company, and Tony’s Chocolonely.

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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

Georgia Floyd County 4-H Team Wins the 2026 Varsity LifeSmarts National Championship

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

Orlando, FL – The Floyd County 4-H Team was crowned the 2026 Varsity LifeSmarts National Champions in Orlando, Florida. Coached by Phyllis Allee and Abbie Salmon, the winning team consisted of Joe Rutledge (12th grade), Abigail Moon (12th grade), Tabitha Smith (11th grade), Finley Smith (9th grade).

The 2026 LifeSmarts National Championship competition featured 46 teams from 32 states and the District of Columbia vying for the national title. LifeSmarts, a program of the National Consumers League (NCL), continues to provide students with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate today’s complex, global marketplace.

“Congratulations to the Floyd County Georgia 4H students on their victory,” said NCL CEO Sally Greenberg. “Your enthusiasm, knowledge, and teamwork truly blew everyone away. We are beyond proud of you and can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’ll accomplish next. Way to represent Floyd County, Georgia!”

LifeSmarts has empowered teens for more than 30 years, teaching vital skills like financial literacy to create savvy, market-ready consumers. High schools often miss these life lessons, but LifeSmarts ensures students are ready for college, careers, and independence.

LifeSmarts contributors include Amazon, American Express, CBM Credit Education Foundation, Comcast, Experian, FICO, Gen, JPMorgan Chase, Kenvue, Melaleuca, Meta, SmartNews, and Tide.

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LifeSmarts: Learn it. Live it.

LifeSmarts is a program of the National Consumers League. State coordinators run the programs on a volunteer basis. For more information, visit https://LifeSmarts.org or email lifesmarts@nclnet.org.

NCL, Former FCC Chairs File SCOTUS Brief To Defend Agency From Wireless Carriers 

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

Washington, DC – Today, the National Consumers League, two former chairs of the FCC, and five other public interest organizations filed an amicus brief at the U.S. Supreme Court in FCC v. AT&T. The case was brought after telecom carriers were found liable for privacy violations that harmed their customers. The companies responded by suing to nullify the Commission’s primary fining authority under the Communications Act of 1934.  

“As our personal data has become more insecure than ever, it is critical that we have strong regulators who are equipped to protect us from privacy violations,” said NCL Vice President of Public Policy, Telecommunications, and Fraud John Breyault. “Congress made it clear that the FCC’s job is to make sure that consumers’ sensitive telecommunications data is protected. The FCC, across bipartisan administrations, faithfully applied these mandates. The Court should ensure that the Commission continues to have every lever at its disposal to ensure America’s telecom carriers follow the law and to hold them accountable when they fail.” 

Democracy Forward Foundation provided pro bono counsel services for NCL in this filing. The full list of signatories to the brief are the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, Consumer Reports, the Electronic Privacy Information Center, the National Consumer Law Center, the National Consumers League, Public Knowledge, former FCC Chair Reed Hundt, and former FCC Chair Tom Wheeler.  

You can sign up for NCL’s biweekly #DataInsecurity Digest to receive updates on data privacy news 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.   

Sen. Durbin Reintroduces NCL-Endorsed Protect Your Points Act 

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

Washington, DC – Yesterday, Senator Durbin reintroduced the Protect Your Points Act, legislation that would protect consumers’ airline rewards points. Key components include a prohibition on points devaluation without at least one year’s notice, a requirement for the non-expiration of accrued points, a ban on junk fees for the redemption of rewards, and greater transparency into the dollar value of rewards points.   

“Airlines have in many ways become banks that happen to fly planes on the side,” said NCL Vice President of Public Policy, Telecommunications, and Fraud John Breyault. “If the industry plans to continue with this model, consumers deserve protections around issues like point devaluations, at a minimum. NCL is grateful to Senator Durbin for his leadership and bringing sunlight to this often-opaque industry.”   

Under former Transportation Secretary Buttigieg and former CFPB Director Chopra, NCL successfully advocated for the agencies to take action on consumer’s airline rewards. These actions included a landmark DOT investigation into carriers’ business practices, and a CFPB warning that devaluation of points may violate consumer protection law.  

Recent estimates for the valuations of these programs have exceeded several billion dollars, including $24 billion for American Airlines’ rewards operation and $22 billion for United Airlines. Delta’s SkyMiles program was estimated to be worth $28 billion, more than half of Delta’s total $40 billion valuation at the time. 

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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 and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) Statement as States Rest Their Case in Landmark Antitrust Battle Against Live Nation

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Washington, DC – Today marks a significant milestone in the State’s Attorney General’s antitrust case against Live Nation Entertainment, the parent company of Ticketmaster, LLC, as more than 30 state plaintiffs conclude the presentation of their case to the jury.

“State attorneys general have built a strong, compelling case—and there is no justification for settling. They should see the case through, put the facts before a jury, and let justice run its course,” said John Breyault, Vice President of Public Policy, Telecommunications and Fraud at the National Consumers League. “Consumers have waited long enough; they deserve nothing less than a decisive outcome that breaks up this monopoly and restores real competition to the marketplace.”  Breyault has been a leading consumer advocate and spokesperson on this case since its inception in 2024.

The lawsuit, originally filed in 2024 alongside the U.S. Department of Justice, alleges that Live Nation Entertainment, Inc., the parent of Ticketmaster, abused its market dominance through excessive fees, restrictive venue agreements, and coercive practices that have harmed consumers, artists, and venues across the country. After the Department of Justice reached a settlement, most of the states chose to move forward, rejecting the deal in favor of pursuing a full and fair resolution in court. With the states now resting their case, the trial moves into its next phase as Live Nation prepares to present its defense.

This moment also underscores the growing concern among federal lawmakers about competition in the live entertainment marketplace. Members of Congress have long raised alarms about Live Nation’s market power and its impact on consumers, artists, and venues. Their perspectives highlight the national significance of this case and the urgency of delivering real relief to consumers.

“The Justice Department’s decision to strike a deal with Live Nation-Ticketmaster, rather than take the case to trial, is a slap in the face to American concertgoers who are increasingly being priced out of seeing their favorite artists,” said Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ). “The Trump Administration had the opportunity to confront this monopoly but choose the side of corporate powers instead. At a time when families are already struggling in Trump’s disastrous economy, this agreement falls short of delivering the accountability the public deserves. I commend the bipartisan coalition of state attorneys general from across the country, including my home state of New Jersey, who have rejected this deal and chosen to press forward in addressing anticompetitive behavior that harms fans, artists, and venues alike. Attending concerts and live events with friends and family should not be a luxury reserved for the wealthiest Americans. I urge attorneys general in every state to stand firm as Live Nation begins their defense and enforce the nation’s antitrust laws this administration increasingly seems to abandon.”

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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.

Top Ten Scams Report: Phishing and Spoofing Scams Nearly Double in 2025 as AI-Powered Fraud Surges

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

Washington, DC – Phishing and spoofing scams soared by 85.6% over the past year, doubling median losses from $1,000 to $2,060, according to the National Consumers League’s Fraud.org Top Ten Scams of 2025 report. Of 1,376 consumer complaints analyzed, investment scams caused the highest median loss at $30,000. 

“Given widespread evidence that scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence tools to craft better pitches, the rise in phishing complaints is particularly concerning,” said NCL Vice President of Public Policy, Telecommunications, and Fraud John Breyault. “AI enables criminals to quickly generate highly realistic phishing emails and clone voices, making scams more convincing and allowing them to reach more targets than before. This underscores the need for consumers to verify information before trusting it.” 

The changing landscape is evident in attack methods as well. In a dramatic shift, web-based contact has overtaken phone scams as the primary attack vector, with 48% of victims reporting their first interaction with scammers occurred online—marking the end of the robocall era’s dominance.  

The Top Ten Scams categories reported to Fraud.org in 2025 were:    

  • Phishing/Spoofing
    Emails pretending to be from a well-known source ask consumers to enter or confirm personal information. 
  • Internet: General Merchandise
    Goods purchased are either never delivered or misrepresented. 
  • Prizes/Sweepstakes/Free Gifts
    Requests for payment to claim fictitious prizes, lottery winnings, or gifts. 
  • Investment: Other (including cryptocurrency)
    Consumers are tricked into paying money for bogus cryptocurrency investments. 
  • Advance Fee Loans, Credit Arrangers
    False promises of business or personal loans, even if credit is bad, for a fee upfront. 
  • Fake Check Scams
    Consumers are asked to cash fraudulent checks and then send the proceeds to a scammer before the check clears. 
  • Friendship & Sweetheart Swindles
    A con artist nurtures an online relationship, builds trust, and convinces victims to send money. 
  • Family/Friend Imposters
    A scammer calls or emails, claiming that a friend or family member is in distress (in jail, in the hospital, etc.) and urgently needs funds to help. 
  • Home Repair
    Fraud involving contractors or repair services that take payment upfront, perform poor or no work, or disappear before completing promised repairs. 
  • Credit Repair
    Fraud involving companies that promise to fix or improve credit scores for a fee, often using illegal or misleading tactics and failing to deliver real results. 

The National Consumers League’s Top Ten Scams report analyzes 1,376 complaints submitted to Fraud.org in 2025. These complaints are self-reported and do not constitute a nationally representative sample of fraud victims. NCL shares complaint data with a network of law enforcement and consumer protection partners, who combine it with other data sources to identify fraud trends and support enforcement actions.  

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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.   

SCOTUS Decision Is an Opportunity to End Anti-Consumer Tariffs

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

Washington, DC – The National Consumers League applauds today’s decision by the Supreme Court of the United States, striking down President Trump’s sweeping tariff program, which is a major victory for American consumers and a rebuke of a costly experiment that functioned as a hidden tax on families.  

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

“For months, shoppers have been forced to shoulder tariff-related junk fees, price hikes, and supply chain disruptions that had little clear economic justification. These tariffs didn’t protect consumers — they punished them.  

The Court’s ruling should close the door — permanently — on this anti-consumer tariff regime. These tariffs operated as a nationwide price hike affecting everything from household goods to everyday essentials. American families should not be collateral damage in an ideologically driven trade policy.”  

The White House should respect both the spirit and the letter of this ruling and refrain from attempting to resurrect these sweeping tariffs under alternative statutory authorities. Repackaging the same policy under a different legal label would only prolong economic uncertainty and continue to squeeze household budgets.  

At a time when families are struggling with affordability, federal policy should be laser-focused on lowering costs and promoting competition — not reviving broad-based tariffs that act as hidden taxes at the checkout counter.” 

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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.