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
Charlie Riedel/AP Photo
UCS Research on Extreme Heat Informs Worker Protections
At an OSHA event announcing a national initiative to protect workers from extreme heat, Vice President Kamala Harris cited the UCS report Killer Heat as evidence for why such protections are necessary.
Created a Roadmap for Clean Trucking
After UCS worked with partners on analysis and testimony highlighting the problem of freight truck pollution, and the benefits of clean trucks, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York have adopted a set of rules to curb pollution from trucks.
White House
Supplied the Science for Better Emissions Standards
The EPA released new federal car emissions standards in 2021—strengthened from initial proposals after testimony from UCS experts and thousands of comments from UCS members.
Major accomplishments
tlindenbaum/Flickr
Helped Pass Climate and Equitable Jobs Act in Illinois
The new law—which UCS tirelessly advocated for with the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition—sets a goal of 100% clean energy, while prioritizing environmental justice communities for pollution reductions.
Motortion Films/Shutterstock
Provided Expertise to Inform Landmark Court Ruling
A court in the Netherlands—which drew on UCS expertise—ordered Royal Dutch Shell to reduce its carbon emissions. This is the first time a company—much less a fossil fuel company—has been legally required to do so.
Elvert Barnes/Flickr
Ride-Hailing Will Go Electric in CA after UCS Advocacy
Responding to UCS analysis of ride-hailing's climate risks, California passed groundbreaking legislation that requires companies like Uber and Lyft to have 90% of miles traveled carbon-free by 2030. This will serve as a model for other states.
USDA/Preston Keres
Pioneered New Truck Rules in California
After significant pressure from UCS and partners, California implemented a first-in-the-nation policy requiring a sales standard for electric, zero-emission freight trucks.
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.
Feature
50 Years of Science and Action
Since our founding in 1969 we've helped address some of the world’s most pressing problems.