Each year, the Student PIRGs host a national lobby day where student leaders from across the country meet with House and Senate offices to advocate for the public interest.
2025 Summary
| On February 24, fifty-six students from 12 states participated in our federal lobby day at the Capitol in Washington DC, bringing student voices to the halls of power to advocate for concrete solutions on issues including making textbooks affordable, giving Americans the freedom to fix our stuff, making our waterways safe for swimming, defending clean energy incentives, and more. In total, we met with over 75 Congressional offices! |
2025 Legislative Priorities
Make Textbooks Affordable
The high cost of textbooks and course materials is a significant barrier to student success. One in ten students report skipping meals in order to afford necessary course materials. We’re working to pass the Affordable College Textbook Act (H.R.1886/S.740) which seeks to reduce the cost of textbooks at U.S. colleges and universities by expanding the use of open textbooks (and other open educational resources) that everyone can use, adapt and share freely. LEARN MORE
Right to Repair
We generate way too much waste, and companies use their power in the marketplace to make things harder to repair. That adds costs to consumers and increases the amount going to landfills. We should give every consumer and every small business access to the parts, tools, and service information they need to repair products by passing Right to Repair reforms. We’re advocating for the Fair Repair Act and the Freedom to Fix Act to give consumers like you and independant repair shops the right to fix our own stuff! LEARN MORE
Safe for Swimming
Every year, billions of gallons of swage and runoff pollution flow into our waterways. This threatens public health with pathogens and can make our favorite beaches unsafe for swimming. We’re calling on Congress to dramatically increase funding for water infrastructure by funding the Clean Water State Revolving Fund at $10 billion per year, dedicating 20 percent of funds for green infrastructure, and updating and fully funding the bipartisan BEACH Act to allow states to improve water testing and identify sources of contamination. LEARN MORE
Clean Energy
America produces more than three times as much power from the sun, the wind and the earth as we did in 2014, with growth in all 50 states. Key technologies such as electric vehicles and battery storage are also booming – helping to repower America with clean energy. Clean energy tax credits help us save energy, which helps reduce pollution and protect the electric system we all depend upon. We’re calling on Congress to not cut any existing clean energy incentive programs such as the Residential Clean Energy Credit and Energy Efficiency Tax Credits. LEARN MORE
Resources and Updates:
How to Run a Student Lobby Day
Here is a step-by-step guide of how you can have a successful lobby day for your student group. From picking your campaign, to scheduling meetings, to effective preparation, to holding the meetings, and doing the essential follow-up! ACCESS THE GUIDE