Energy
Gas prices up over $3 a gallon
NBC-TV Nightly News (National 6:30 PM EST) Oil watchdog groups say profits for the refining part of companies like Exxon and Chevron…
May 8, 2007Consumer Watchdog
Providing an effective voice for American consumers in an era when special interests dominate public discourse, government and politics. Non-partisan.
Articles by Consumer Watchdog
Energy
State’s gasoline prices at new high;
The average rises to $3.461 as refineries continue to struggle with production.Los Angeles Times In California, which has the nation's highest retail…
May 8, 2007
Energy
Refinery Backlog Prompts Spike in Gas Prices
All Things Considered (National Public Radio) Consumer advocate Jamie Court of OilWatchdog.org sees a more sinister explanation. He compares this year's string…
May 7, 2007
Insurance
Kaiser income, revenue up for quarter
Oakland Tribune (California) Critics are infuriated that Kaiser continues to rake in profits and raise rates each year. Kaiser implemented rate increases…
May 5, 2007
Insurance
CAPITOL WATCHDOG: Traveling on someone else’s dime;
California lawmakers say privately funded junkets -- including treks to Japan, France and Greece -- help them make better policy decisions. Government…
May 4, 2007
Energy
It’s us, not OPEC, driving up gasoline prices
The Gazette (Montreal, Canada) A California consumer group, the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, has dug up a number of old…
May 4, 2007
Energy
Oil Refiners’ Production Lows, Profit Highs;
Where's the gas? As pump prices test $3, persistent problems, from old plants to a shortage of skilled workers, spur debate on…
May 3, 2007
Energy
Today at the Pump; Gas prices are 7 cents more than they were last year and continue to rise.
The Today Show (NBC-TV National) OKWU: But industry watchdogs say the oil companies are gouging consumers by indirectly controlling the supply. Ms.…
May 3, 2007
Insurance
WARF CONFLICT ALLEGED
The Capital Times (Madison, Wisconsin) While the panel is only advisory, John Simpson of the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights said…
May 3, 2007
Insurance
Patenting the obvious?
A patent ruling has delivered a serious blow to one US state's hopes of a biotechnology boomNature "A serious, public policy discussion…
May 2, 2007
Energy
How high will gas prices rise this summer?
The Wall Street Journal Consumer groups already have started complaining about the recent rise in gasoline prices and are urging politicians to…
May 2, 2007
Privacy
Supreme Court ruling seen as blow to WARF stem cell patents
Wisconsin Technology Network "The consensus generally was that the federal circuit court had swung too far in the direction of patent holders,"…
May 2, 2007
Energy
Gasoline costs driven to a record;
California's average hits $3.359 for a gallon of regular. Many analysts blame the run-up on a string of refinery woes.Los Angeles Times…
May 1, 2007
Privacy
Ruling could aid challenge to UW stem cell patents;
Supreme Court affirms basis of patent objectionMilwaukee Sentinel-Journal (Wisconsin) "We thought what James Thomson did was obvious when we filed the challenges,…
May 1, 2007
Privacy
Group calls for WARF director’s resignation from Patent Office board
Milwaukee Business Journal The Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights and the Public Patent Foundation, of New York, challenged the WARF patents…
Apr 30, 2007
Privacy
Trump gives $10,000 donation to Schwarzenegger, who appeared on ‘The Apprentice’
Associated Press The governor denies any link between the donation and the television appearance, but some political watchdog groups are skeptical. "He's…
Apr 29, 2007
Energy
Billions more in Chevron profit;
Earnings jump 18% at San Ramon company even as crude oil prices slump in 1st quarterThe San Francisco Chronicle In other words,…
Apr 28, 2007
Privacy
US patents revoked — boost for S’pore pioneer;
Key stem-cell patents of varsity cancelled -- recognition for work by Prof. Bongso, othersThe Straits Times (Singapore) What led to the recent…
Apr 28, 2007