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
Rytut/Wikimedia Commons
Backed by Science, Honolulu Sues Big Oil for Climate Damages
Working with information from a UCS co-sponsored forum and meetings with staff, the city and county of Honolulu, HI, filed a lawsuit to hold fossil fuel companies liable for their share of climate damages.
Thomas Lefebvre/Unsplash
UCS Wins Court Appeal on Science Advisory Board Membership
UCS won an appeal allowing our lawsuit against EPA to proceed. We’re challenging a Trump Administration policy prohibiting scientists who receive grants from EPA from serving on science advisory board committees.
Clean Energy Momentum in Massachusetts Guided by UCS
Massachusetts state senate overwhelmingly passed a suite of bills that strengthen climate action, including a UCS-supported bill to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
Major accomplishments
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.
UCS creates a dedicated team to work on scientific integrity in government, now called the Center For Science And Democracy.
UCS creates a dedicated team to work on scientific integrity in government.
Feature
50 Years of Science and Action
Since our founding in 1969 we've helped address some of the world’s most pressing problems.