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
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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UCS research 33 times in their final rule, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved guidelines to improve outdated electricity grids, allowing for more renewable energy and requiring grid operators to plan for climate change.
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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.
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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
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Called for Increased Fuel Efficiency and Exploration into Alternative Fuels
UCS released a landmark report on fuel efficiency.
Photo: B137/Creative Commons (Wikimedia Commons)
UCS expands with a dedicated team to work on climate change.
UCS expands with a dedicated team to work on climate change.
Protected Nuclear Plant Workers and the Public
UCS successfully sued the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Led Scientists in Protest Against Space Weapons
More than 700 members of the National Academy of Sciences, signed the UCS Appeal to Ban Space Weapons.
Convened Top Scientists to Provide Facts on US Missile Defense
Many of the nation's top scientists, joined UCS to participate in the first-ever scientist-led teleconference
Rallied 100,000 Students for Teach-Ins on Nuclear War Threats
UCS sponsored teach-ins at 150 campuses in 42 states.
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zhangyang13576997233/Shutterstock
UCS launches work on renewable energy with publication of Energy Strategies: Toward A Solar Future.
UCS launches work on renewable energy.
Photo: Matthew Platt/CC BY-SA (Flickr)
UCS opens an office In Washington, DC.
UCS opens an office In Washington, DC.
Offered a Prescient Warning of Danger at Three Mile Island Nuclear Plant
UCS called upon the US government to shut down the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant.
Reduced the Threat of the Nuclear Arms Race
UCS worked to expose the drawbacks of the Nixon administration's plans for an anti-ballistic missile system.
Feature
50 Years of Science and Action
Since our founding in 1969 we've helped address some of the world’s most pressing problems.