Table of Contents
We’ve combined science and advocacy for more than fifty years. The results speak for themselves.
Assembled below is a list of recent UCS-driven wins and major milestones, chronicling the many ways we act at the intersection of science and policy. Each success is made possible through the power of our staff, Science Network, activists, and committed members.
Recent wins
Photo: tlindenbaum/Flickr
Photo: tlindenbaum/Flickr
Illinois Passes Climate and Equitable Jobs Act
The new law—which UCS advocated for with the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition–mandates cleaner power with a focus on environmental justice communities and a just transition for fossil fuel plant workers and communities.
Elvert Barnes/Flickr
Ride-Hailing Will Go Electric in CA after UCS Advocacy
California passed a first-of-its kind requirement that ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft electrify the miles driven by their fleets. UCS brought attention to emissions produced from ride-hailing services in a 2020 report.
Joe Biden/Flickr
Biden Administration Acts on UCS Sign-on Letter
UCS organized—and promoted in national media—a scientists’ sign-on letter with more than 1,500 signatures, calling on the administration to set a target cutting emissions 50 percent below 2005 levels by 2030. The White House has adopted those targets.
Major accomplishments
UCS Reevaluates Our Investment portfolio, Uncovers Small Fossil Fuel Holdings Within “Sustainability Funds,” and Fully Divests From Fossil Fuel Interests.
UCS reevaluates our investment portfolio.
Spotlighted How Restructuring US Food Policy Could Save Trillions
A UCS video and analysis, demonstrated the health and environmental benefits of restructuring our food system.
Exposed Misinformation and Media Bias
A UCS analysis exposed extremely misleading climate coverage.
Won Protection for Scientific Whistleblowers
UCS won a landmark victory in Congress with the passage of a bill that explicitly grants whistleblowers protection.
Provided Critical, Independent Expertise on the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster
UCS issued a report highlighting the steps the US government should take to increase safety and resilience at American nuclear plants.
Helped Reduce Nuclear Stockpiles in the United States & Russia
UCS technical expertise informed the US Senate decision to approve the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty.
Dramatically Cut Emissions from Cars and Trucks
Emissions and fuel efficiency standards are a signature UCS victory.
Halved Global Warming Emissions in the Northeast
Climate experts relied upon UCS analysis to craft the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.
UCS opens its Midwest office in Chicago.
UCS opens its Midwest office in Chicago.
Won International Protections to Preserve the World's Rainforests
UCS played a key role in winning international protections through a UN agreement for the world's rainforests.
Feature
50 Years of Science and Action
Since our founding in 1969 we've helped address some of the world’s most pressing problems.