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
Moreau1/Wikimedia Commons
Science Returns to EPA Science Advisory Committees
UCS has called for the EPA to correct the corruption of federal science advisory boards by the prior administration; the agency announced it will reset advisory board membership, prioritizing qualified scientists who have no conflicts of interest.
Peter Wendt/Unsplash
Federal Relief Package Includes UCS-Backed Racial Equity Provisions
Included in the Biden administration’s coronavirus relief package is $5 billion in funding that begins to address staggering land losses among Black farmers. These provisions were identified and advocated for by UCS and the HEAL Food Alliance.
Science in HD/Unsplash
UCS Helps Pass Mass. Climate, Environmental Justice Law
For two years, UCS worked to strengthen and promote a bill—now signed into law—that commits Massachusetts to net-zero emissions by 2050 and addresses racial disparities in the benefits and burdens of clean energy and climate-related policies.
Major accomplishments
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.
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.
Feature
50 Years of Science and Action
Since our founding in 1969 we've helped address some of the world’s most pressing problems.