October newsletter: Troubling trends in auto finance complaints

Complaints to the CFPB about auto finance have surged during the pandemic

Tricks and traps in the auto marketplace can leave consumers overpaying for a car, or being victimized by predatory and abusive practices. Yet during this time of extreme financial vulnerability, consumers have not received commensurate protections from federal policymakers. Auto Complaints Rise, written with the U.S. PIRG Education Fund, finds that complaints about vehicle loans and leases to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau have reached historic levels during the pandemic. The report was covered in outlets including CBS News and Scripps National News.

Renewables reach new heights

America produces almost four times as much renewable electricity from the sun and wind in 2020 as it did in 2010. Renewables on the Rise 2020, written with Environment America Research & Policy Center, uses interactive charts and graphs to track the rapid growth of the key clean energy technologies that will move America toward a future of 100% renewable energy. The report was covered in outlets including Forbes and the Orange County Register.

What are America’s top schools for clean energy?

America’s colleges and universities are leading the transition to clean energy by reducing energy consumption, deploying renewable energy technologies, and switching to electric vehicles. America’s Top Colleges for Renewable Energy 2020, written with Environment America Research & Policy Center, finds that 40 colleges and universities now obtain 100% of their electricity from renewable energy sources, with many more close behind.

In other news

The Frontier Group blog observed “hope week,” sharing stories of the societal changes, technologies and movements that have inspired us during this often-difficult year … Also on the blog, new policy analyst David Lippeatt, who comes to us following a distinguished career with the U.S. State Department, wrote how lessons from European food and health policy can help America create a better, more sustainable food system… Analyst Adrian Pforzheimer explained why it’s time to start making plans to recycle solar panels, so that our clean energy future can be part of a sustainable circular economy.

Coming soon

In the coming weeks, Frontier Group will release new research on marine protected areas, as well as the sixth edition of our Highway Boondoggles report.

Thank you for your interest and support. Please take care.

Frontier Group staff

Susan Rakov, Director
Tony Dutzik and Elizabeth Ridlington, Associate Directors and Senior Policy Analysts
Gideon Weissman, R.J. Cross, James Horrox, Adrian Pforzheimer and David Lippeatt, Policy Analysts
Jamie Friedman and Bryn Huxley-Reicher, Policy Associates
Lauren Phillips-Jackson, Intern