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
Rytut/Wikimedia Commons
Backed by Science, Honolulu Sues Big Oil for Climate Damages
Working with information from a UCS co-sponsored forum and meetings with staff, the city and county of Honolulu, HI, filed a lawsuit to hold fossil fuel companies liable for their share of climate damages.
Thomas Lefebvre/Unsplash
UCS Wins Court Appeal on Science Advisory Board Membership
UCS won an appeal allowing our lawsuit against EPA to proceed. We’re challenging a Trump Administration policy prohibiting scientists who receive grants from EPA from serving on science advisory board committees.
Clean Energy Momentum in Massachusetts Guided by UCS
Massachusetts state senate overwhelmingly passed a suite of bills that strengthen climate action, including a UCS-supported bill to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
Major accomplishments
Built a Regional Program to Drive Down Transportation Emissions
Nine Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states and Washington, DC committed to developing a regional policy that will reduce transportation emissions and fund a cleaner, modernized transportation system that serves everyone.
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.
Blocked Anti-Science Nominees from the Trump Administration
UCS mobilized our half-million members and supporters.
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.
Provided Crucial, Independent Analysis of the North Korean Missile Program
UCS offered trusted, independent analysis of North Korean nuclear capabilities.
Forced ExxonMobil to Acknowledge Climate Change in its Business Plans
A multi-year effort by UCS and activist investors to keep pressure on ExxonMobil.
Expanded Clean Energy in the Midwest
UCS worked in Illinois to successfully pass a comprehensive energy bill.
Secured Fuel Efficiency Standards for Big Trucks
UCS analysis informed the development of heavy-duty fuel economy standards.
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.
UCS Reevaluates Our Investment portfolio, Uncovers Small Fossil Fuel Holdings Within “Sustainability Funds,” and Fully Divests From Fossil Fuel Interests.
UCS reevaluates our investment portfolio.
Feature
50 Years of Science and Action
Since our founding in 1969 we've helped address some of the world’s most pressing problems.