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
NREL
UCS Research, Advocacy Inform Game-Changing U.S. Climate Law
After decades of advocacy for a national plan to address climate change, UCS-backed legislation that invests billions to reduce global warming emissions is now law. This opportunity is a stepping stone to more progress for a climate-safe future for all.
Sander Yigin/Unsplash
Clean Truck Victory in Connecticut
Seizing the opportunity to clean up transportation in the state, UCS created an analysis on the benefits of cleaner trucks and cars and advocated with coalition partners to pass the Connecticut Clean Air Act—now law.
IAEA/Dean Calma
UCS-Backed Act Supporting Nuclear Frontline Communities Extended
After UCS organized a lobby day, met with US senators, and publicized the issue in the media, the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act—which was set to expire—was extended by two years by the US Senate.
Major accomplishments
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.
Organized 17,000 Scientists to Oppose Bush Administration's Abuse of Science
UCS fought back and drew widespread visibility to the systematic effort to undermine science.
Sounded an Alarm on the Reckless Overuse of Antibiotics on Farms
A UCS report estimated that animal agriculture was using eight times more antibiotics than were being used to treat humans.
Image: UCS
Demonstrated the Vulnerability of US Missile Defense Plans
UCS released a report documenting how a costly missile defense system could be overpowered by relatively simple countermeasures.
Led the Way on International Climate Agreements
UCS led a delegation of US nonprofit organizations to the international climate negotiations.
Leveraging “new” email technology, UCS launches the UCS Science Network, a group of engaged scientists now 25,000 strong.
UCS launches the UCS Science Network.
Federal farm subsidies encourage farmers to keep growing more corn and soybeans, even when prices fall. As a result, a large chunk of annual US farm income comes directly from taxpayers.
Photo: Ali Eminov, CC-BY-NC-2.0 (Flickr)
UCS begins work on food and agriculture issues.
UCS begins work on food and agriculture issues.
Feature
50 Years of Science and Action
Since our founding in 1969 we've helped address some of the world’s most pressing problems.