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
John Gress Media/Shutterstock
UCS Wins Strong Ethylene Oxide Pollution Rule
UCS analysis of health risks to communities living near facilities emitting ethylene oxide, a known carcinogen, along with our advocacy for science-based standards, helped push the EPA to issue a proposed rule that could cut emissions by 80 percent.
Joanne Francis/Unsplash
UCS Research Points Finger at Big Oil for Western Wildfires
UCS peer-reviewed science shows that more than one-third of the total area scorched by forest fires in the western United States and southwestern Canada since 1986 can be directly attributed to emissions from specific fossil fuel companies.
Sierra Club North Star Chapter
UCS and Partners Move Toward Environmental Justice in Minnesota
Working with a coalition, UCS helped press Minnesota to enact novel legislation that will allow state regulators to protect communities exposed to multiple pollutants, by limiting or denying environmental permits to polluting projects.
Major accomplishments
Image: UCS
Demonstrated the Vulnerability of US Missile Defense Plans
UCS released a report documenting how a costly missile defense system could be overpowered by relatively simple countermeasures.
Led the Way on International Climate Agreements
UCS led a delegation of US nonprofit organizations to the international climate negotiations.
Federal farm subsidies encourage farmers to keep growing more corn and soybeans, even when prices fall. As a result, a large chunk of annual US farm income comes directly from taxpayers.
Photo: Ali Eminov, CC-BY-NC-2.0 (Flickr)
UCS begins work on food and agriculture issues.
UCS begins work on food and agriculture issues.
Leveraging “new” email technology, UCS launches the UCS Science Network, a group of engaged scientists now 25,000 strong.
UCS launches the UCS Science Network.
Pioneered Breakthrough Approach to Renewable Energy
UCS released a report outlining how states could take advantage of energy deregulation.
Issued “World Scientists' Warning To Humanity”
UCS alerted the public to the threat of climate change and the need for sustainability.
UCS opens its West Coast office in California.
UCS opens its West Coast office in California.
jaminwell/iStock
Called for Increased Fuel Efficiency and Exploration into Alternative Fuels
UCS released a landmark report on fuel efficiency.
Photo: B137/Creative Commons (Wikimedia Commons)
UCS expands with a dedicated team to work on climate change.
UCS expands with a dedicated team to work on climate change.
Protected Nuclear Plant Workers and the Public
UCS successfully sued the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Feature
50 Years of Science and Action
Since our founding in 1969 we've helped address some of the world’s most pressing problems.