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
![A road winding through wind turbines](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2023-11/wind-road-thumbnail.jpg?itok=oZ2hQ2J4)
tagu/Shutterstock
New Federal Rules to Modernize US Power Grid Cite UCS
Citing UCS research 33 times in their final rule, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved guidelines to improve outdated electricity grids, allowing for more renewable energy and requiring grid operators to plan for climate change.
![Smoke coming out of a coal-fired power plant.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2023-01/1500-900-coal-power-plant.jpg?itok=N6EvOWwA)
arbyreed/Flickr
New EPA Rules Will Cut Pollution from Power Sector
For years, coal-fired power plants released mercury and coal ash into the air. The EPA’s new rules, informed by UCS analysis, limit air and water pollution from these plants and global warming emissions from coal and new fossil fuel-burning power plants.
![A person being assisted by a car dealer.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-05/1500-900-woman-and-dealer-looking-at-new-car.jpg?itok=qJniaDsS)
Antoni Shkraba/Pexels
EPA Sets UCS-Backed Vehicle Emissions Standards
The newest EPA rules will help prevent an estimated 7.2 billion tons of global warming pollution by 2055—to get there, UCS provided technical feedback, facilitated 14,000+ public comments from supporters, and rallied reinforcement in Congress.
Major accomplishments
![Person working on freight truck.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2020-06/1500-900-freight-truck.jpg?itok=D-CcfkRi)
USDA/Preston Keres
Pioneered New Truck Rules in California
After significant pressure from UCS and partners, California implemented a first-in-the-nation policy requiring a sales standard for electric, zero-emission freight trucks.
![An offshore wind turbine off the coast of Maine](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2019-10/umaine-offshore-turbine.jpg?itok=w-7DK3cH)
Jplourde umaine/Wikimedia
Advised by UCS, Maine Signs Major Renewable Energy Bills
With UCS expertise and advocacy, Maine passed several bills setting clean energy goals that rank among the nation’s most ambitious.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/attach/Timeline/ucsusa_57420550.jpg?itok=1mg8H7HP)
Pushed California toward 100 Percent Clean Energy
After many years of UCS providing visionary technical expertise to prove it was possible, California passed a bill requiring that 100 percent of its electricity come from clean, renewable sources by 2045.
![Three individuals with stamp withdrawn in yellow](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2020-03/withdrawnpic-1500x900.jpg?itok=ndVl0pcu)
Blocked Anti-Science Nominees from the Trump Administration
UCS mobilized our half-million members and supporters.
![A waterfront property for sale sign submerged in flood waters](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2020-03/waterfront-for-sale-sign-submerged-in-flood-waters.jpg?itok=yRn1SPoo)
Showcased the Threat to Coastal Properties from Climate-Driven Sea Level Rise
Using the latest available real estate data, a UCS analysis sent a wake-up call throughout the real estate and insurance markets.
![North Korea map with red push pin](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2020-03/nuclear-m-north-korea-map-1500x900.jpg?itok=XbiBx9Yi)
Provided Crucial, Independent Analysis of the North Korean Missile Program
UCS offered trusted, independent analysis of North Korean nuclear capabilities.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/attach/Timeline/ucsusa_45976724.jpg?itok=AH0I_2O6)
Forced ExxonMobil to Acknowledge Climate Change in its Business Plans
A multi-year effort by UCS and activist investors to keep pressure on ExxonMobil.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/attach/Timeline/ucsusa_12222411.jpg?itok=WpRkaI56)
Expanded Clean Energy in the Midwest
UCS worked in Illinois to successfully pass a comprehensive energy bill.
![White semi truck on highway with sunrise](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2020-03/white-semi-truck-on-highway-sunrise.jpg?itok=IU5ymCGs)
Secured Fuel Efficiency Standards for Big Trucks
UCS analysis informed the development of heavy-duty fuel economy standards.
![A file folder with red "not science" stamp covered in black oil](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2020-03/gw-misinformation-deception-report-cover-headline-1500x900.jpg?itok=cA63bF03)
Revealed Climate Deception at ExxonMobil
A UCS report documented that ExxonMobil and other oil and gas companies knew about the dangers their products caused to the climate.