http://www.ucsusa.org RSS feed of UCS news Convio Content Management System Module en-us null-163574409 http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/tx-oil-finances-campaign-against-ca-clean-energy-law.html The campaign promoting Proposition 23, a referendum on California’s November ballot that would essentially annul the state’s landmark clean energy law, is being funded primarily by two Texas-based oil companies. Now, additional funding for the campaign comes from a Kansas subsidiary of Koch Industries, owned by the oil magnate billionaire Koch brothers. Tue, 07 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0500 null-170733022 http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/global-warming-hurricanes-stronger-unclear-0439.html Global warming is making the ocean warmer, which in turn makes it more likely for hurricanes, when they do form, to become stronger and more destructive, but the link between global warming and the number of hurricanes that form each year remains unclear. Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0500 null-169741738 http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/iac-report-on-ipcc-statement-0438.html An independent panel of scientists and other experts released a report today recommending new policies to improve Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports on climate change. Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500 null-169714725 http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/judge-dismisses-ken-cuccinelli-mann-0437.html The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) called today’s decisions by a Virginia judge to dismiss Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli’s demand for documents related to research by climate scientist Michael Mann a “victory for scientific discovery.” Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500 null-168901791 http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/independent-panel-to-issue-0436.html An independent panel of scientists and other experts will release a report on August 30 assessing the IPCC's procedures for producing reports on the state of climate change science, impacts and solutions. Thu, 26 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500 null-166631599 http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/cuccinelli-uva-court-0435.html An Albemarle County Circuit Court judge will hear arguments on Friday regarding Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli’s request for University of Virginia documents related to government grants climate scientist Michael Mann received when he was on its faculty. Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500 null-165523502 http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/drought-in-russia-floods-in-0434.html A number of extreme weather events have been happening around the world this summer, which are consistent with climate change projections. Thu, 12 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500 null-164261375 http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/no-climate-bill-0433-1.html The Senate will adjourn for its August recess today without passing a comprehensive energy and climate bill – inaction the Union of Concerned Scientists called “infuriating, distressing and inexcusable.” Fri, 06 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500 null-163201500 http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/va-attorney-general-continues-misrepresent-science-04032.html Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli’s July 13 court filing requesting documents related to climate scientist Michael Mann from the University of Virginia contains even more false and misleading claims than his June 11 filing, according to an analysis by UCS. Tue, 03 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500 null-162265579 http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/cuccinelli-court-filing-basic-errors-0430.html Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli’s July 13 court filing requesting documents related to climate scientist Michael Mann from the University of Virginia contains even more false and misleading claims than his last filing, according to an analysis by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). Mon, 02 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500 null-162257447 http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/epa-correctly-rejects-0429.html The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today rejected petitions from Peabody Coal, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Commonwealth of Virginia and others that asked the agency to rescind its scientific finding that heat-trapping gases pose a threat to public health. Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500 null-161785416 http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/western-climate-initiative-0428.html The Western Climate Initiative today released a detailed plan moving a regional carbon market one step closer to reality. Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500 null-161039590 http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/senator-inhofe-erroneously-cooling-trend-0427.html In response to a question during an ABC News / Washington Post interview today about recent heat waves and record temperatures, Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.) said, “I don’t think that anyone disagrees with the fact that we actually are in a cold period that started about nine years ago.” Fri, 23 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500 null-160748940 http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/senate-climate-change-reid-0426.html Sen. Harry Reid’s (D-Nev.) announcement today that the Senate will delay taking up climate and energy legislation at least until September should pressure his colleagues to pass a bill before the 111th Congress ends, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500 null-160283376 http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/stephen-schneider-passing-0426.html The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) notes with great sadness the passing of Stanford University climate scientist Stephen H. Schneider, who died yesterday at the age of 65. Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500 null-159422699 http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/avandia-hearing-reveals-flaws-fda-0424.html Hearings by an FDA advisory panel on the safety of a diabetes drug illustrate fundamental flaws in the way the agency reviews pharmaceuticals, according to UCS. Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500 null-158845098 http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/doe-plan-reduce-nuclear-arsenal-0423.html The Obama administration is planning to cut the U.S. nuclear arsenal by as much as 40 percent by 2021, but also wants to spend nearly $175 billion over the next 20 years to build new facilities and maintain and modify thousands of weapons, according to two sections of an administration plan. Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500 null-158369209 http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/curious-for-life-ad-campaign.html A new UCS ad campaign, "Curious for Life," highlights the personal stories and dedication of scientists studying climate change. The ads capture who scientists are at heart -- the curious kids who were always trying to figure out the world around them. Sat, 10 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500 null-158175844 http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/climate-change-is-hazardous-0422.html Climate change is hazardous to your health, according to scientists participating in a telephone press conference today held by the UCS. Thu, 08 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500 null-157867103 http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/final-university-of-east-report-clears-scientists-0421.html The so-called “Climategate” scandal is over, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), and it really wasn’t a scandal after all. Wed, 07 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500 null-156863261 http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/scientist-michael-mann-penn-state-0420.html Today’s announcement by Penn State University that climate scientist Michael Mann has been cleared of all scientific misconduct charges should put an end to the baseless attacks on Mann and his research, including the ongoing investigation by Virginia’s attorney general, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500 null-156806426 http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/senate-currently-proposing-0418.html Massive government subsidies proposed in two pending Senate climate and energy bills would shift the risk of financing and constructing new nuclear reactors from the industry to U.S. taxpayers, according to an analysis released today by the Union of Concerned Scientists Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500 null-156777337 http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/ken-cuccinelli-uvs-respose-mann-0417.html On June 11, Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli formally responded to the University of Virginia’s request that he drop his demand for documents related to climate scientist Michael Mann’s research; the response is riddled with inaccuracies and undermines his case for obtaining documents pertaining to Mann’s work at the school. Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500 null-156855264 http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/streamlined-new-nuclear-reactors-0419.html Four nuclear power experts today issued a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) urging the Senate to reject proposals that would “weaken important safety protocols and impede the [Nuclear Regulatory Commission]’s ability to ensure that new reactors are safe to operate.” Tue, 29 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500 null-156416944 http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/obama-administration-climate-energy-0416.html President Obama’s call for Congress to pass comprehensive climate and energy legislation that includes a cap on carbon indicates that his administration is willing to expend political capital to secure a bill that would dramatically reduce emissions, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). Tue, 29 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500 null-156209698 http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/obama-space-policy-a-return-to-traditional-0415.html UCS experts weigh in on the Obama administration’s National Space Policy, which are expected to be released this afternoon. Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500 null-155715554 http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/senate-proposal-for-clean-energy-bank-0414.html UCS urges the Senate to modify the proposal to protect taxpayers and ensure that funding targets truly innovative clean energy technologies that have the potential to reduce the most global warming emissions at the lowest possible cost. Fri, 25 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500 null-155731949 http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/christine-todd-whitman-patrick-moore-0415.html UCS fact checker reveals that Christine Todd Whitman and Patrick Moore fail to disclose that they are compensated to promote nuclear energy. Fri, 25 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500 null-155567531 http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/california-renewable-electricity-bill-0413.html A California renewable energy bill that had been given up for dead last year is alive and well, following a favorable 9 to 2 vote. Thu, 24 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500 null-154990442 http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/ucs-issues-briefing-paper-on-space-policy-0412.html UCS comments on the Obama administration’s National Space Policy, which is expected to be released sometime in the next few weeks. Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500 null-154744364 http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/ucs-engineer-testify-electric-cars-410.html The Senate Energy and Commerce Committee will hold a hearing tomorrow to consider the Promoting Electric Vehicles Act of 2010 (S. 3495). Mon, 21 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500 null-154762040 http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/study-scientific-consensus-climate-change-411.html A paper published today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) underscores the widespread consensus among climate scientists that human activity is driving climate change. Mon, 21 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500 null-154659373 http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/california-renewable-electricity-standard-0409.html The California Legislature and Gov. Schwarzenegger are expected to redouble their efforts to enact renewable energy legislation this year that would require California utilities to acquire 33 percent of their electricity from renewable energy like the wind and sun by 2020, up from the state’s current 20 percent requirement by the end of this year. Mon, 21 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500 null-153692057 http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/epa-analysis-makes-case-for-action-0408.html UCS comments on the EPA’s analysis of the American Power Act discussion draft. Tue, 15 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500 null-153482642 http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/new-federal-policies-needed-biofuels-0407.html The federal government needs to adopt a suite of new policies to spur production in the stalled advanced biofuels industry, according to a report (pdf) released today by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). Mon, 14 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500 null-152786370 http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/senate-rejects-murkowski-0406.html The Senate today voted against a resolution introduced by Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) that would have blocked the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from regulating global warming emissions under the Clean Air Act. Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500 null-151214947 http://www.ucsusa.org/news/commentary/new-sulfur-dioxide-regulations-0403.html Barbara Freese, Union Of Concerned Scientists, comments on the EPA new health standards for sulfur dioxide (SO2), announced today. Thu, 03 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500 null-149926684 http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/two-new-electric-vehicle-bills-congress-0401.html Reps. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Judy Biggert (R-Ill.), Jerry McNerney (D-Calif.), and Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.) today introduced the Electric Drive Vehicle Deployment Act of 2010, a bill that would help reduce U.S. oil dependence by funding programs to put hundreds of thousands of electric drive cars and trucks on the road over the next five years, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). Thu, 27 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500 null-149943071 http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/uva-will-fight-misguided-cuccinelli-402.html The University of Virginia is standing up for scientists and academic freedom by seeking the dismissal of Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli’s investigation of climate scientist Michael Mann, according the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). Thu, 27 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500 null-149731139 http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/report-shows-preserving-tropical-forests-0400.html Doug Boucher comments on a new report released today showing that preserving tropical forests would provide significant financial benefits for the U.S. agricultural and timber industries. Wed, 26 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500 null-149692693 http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/obama-solar-plant-visit-0398.html President Barack Obama’s visit today to Solyndra, a Fremont, California, solar panel manufacturer, underscores the need for strong state and federal clean energy policies, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). Wed, 26 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500 null-148755973 http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/obama-kickstarts-process-for-fuel-economy-0397.html President Obama’s announcement today regarding fuel economy and emissions standards for both passenger vehicles and heavy-duty trucks was welcomed by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). Fri, 21 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500 null-148515879 http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/improving-truck-fuel-economy-0396.html Boosting the fuel economy of new medium- and heavy-duty vehicles could create more than 120,000 new jobs nationwide by 2030, curb U.S. oil dependence, and save truckers thousands of dollars annually at the gas pump, according to a report released today by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) and CALSTART. Thu, 20 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500 null-149726129 http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/fda-transparency-plan-good-0399.html A proposal announced today by the Food and Drug Administration to provide more information to the public would “put the agency at the forefront in the federal government” according to UCS. Wed, 19 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500 null-148177661 http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/national-academy-of-sciences-0394.html The National Academy of Sciences released three reports today that reconfirm climate change science is on solid footing, and offer recommendations for addressing and adapting to global warming. Wed, 19 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500 null-148283613 http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/industry-funded-think-tank-CEI-misleading-ads-0395.html Freedom Action, a phony grassroots group started last year by the industry-funded Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI), recently bought airtime for two misleading radio ads about climate science. Wed, 19 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500 null-148176892 http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/more-scientists-murkowski-0393.html More than 1,800 U.S. scientists sent a letter (pdf) to members of Congress today urging them to reject legislation that would undermine an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finding under the Clean Air Act that heat-trapping emissions drive climate change and endanger public health. Wed, 19 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500 null-147899243 http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/800-va-scientists-ken-cuccinelli-mann-0391.html More than 800 scientists and academics in Virginia, including nearly 300 from the University of Virginia (UVA), today sent a letter to Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, urging him to drop his investigation of former UVA Professor Michael Mann's scientific research. Tue, 18 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500 null-148170689 http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/national-academy-of-sciences-0392.html For authoritative guidance on science-based policy, Congress, the White House and the nation routinely turn to the National Academy of Sciences. Tue, 18 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500 null-147638038 http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/coal-import-rankings-0390.html Thirty-eight states are net importers of domestic and foreign coal, and 11 each spent more than $1 billion in 2008 on coal imports. Tue, 18 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500