Union of Concerned Scientists

Heard some dubious claims about science recently? We sure have—and in our new Fact Checker section, we call out the distorters and show you the facts without the noise.

Importing coal is a major drain on state economies. UCS shows the scale of these costs, and suggests how those funds can instead be invested in energy efficiency and homegrown clean energy.

The federal government's response to the BP oil spill must start with containing the spill and cleaning up the Gulf, but it cannot stop there. It also needs to implement comprehensive climate and energy policies that address U.S. oil addiction, including higher fuel economy standards, support for clean alternative fuels, and better transportation options.

While the increases in efficiency and renewable electricity standards called for under ACES are achievable and affordable, a new UCS analysis reveals impressive conumer benefits would result from further increasing the emphasis on renewable power.

A new UCS analysis shows that despite increasing research efforts, no genetically engineered plants have been able to curb pollution from nitrogen overuse in industrial farming. Traditional breeding methods, however, have shown some progress.

A December 2009 analysis of California's AB 32 law limiting emissions shows that even if California’s small businesses do nothing to decrease their energy use over the next 10 years, they will likely experience only a small and manageable impact from the state’s policies to reduce global warming pollution.

The UCS Policy Center contains updates and background information on specific federal, regional, and local policy proposals, as well as fact sheets, testimony, letters, and UCS positions, including the two links below:

An economic analysis shows tremendous long-term gains offset the initial costs of reining in global warming emissions. Help urge legislators to make the right choices in crafting a climate policy.

The House of Representatives passed a comprehensive climate and energy bill in 2009. Several climate and energy bills have been released in the Senate in the last year, but the full Senate has yet to vote on a single one.

The UCS Hybrid Scorecard is the first comprehensive listing of hybrid vehicles available on the US market. Vehicles are scored on both environmental performance and value, easing the burden on the planet and your pocketbook.

Cool It! is the new card game from UCS that teaches kids about the choices we have when it comes to climate change—and how policy and technology decisions made today will matter.

While confined animal feeding operations in the US deliver meat and eggs and tremendous environmental cost, community supported agriculture (CSA) can deliver these foods affordably, efficiently, and sustainably.