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
Clemens van Lay/Unsplash
Nuclear Security Agency Responds To UCS Scientist's Concerns
After a UCS scientist co-authored an article on the potential for a certain kind of in demand uranium fuel to be used to make nuclear weapons, US nuclear security agency NNSA agreed to sponsor a study on this risk.
Westend61/Getty Images
Millions of Midwesterners Benefit from Milestone Clean Energy Investment
In a move that will boost reliable, inexpensive clean energy and jobs in the region—that UCS has supported in state legislatures and with utility regulators for years—a Midwestern utility has voted to invest billions in its transmission system.
Clean Energy and Environmental Justice Win in Massachusetts
A new MA law—informed by UCS analysis and advocacy, including a coalition of environmental justice groups that has convened for years—will speed the local transition to clean energy, and address the unfair burdens of polluting energy infrastructure.
Major accomplishments
Wade Austin Ellis/Unsplash
UCS Successfully Advocates for US Loss and Damage Financing
At COP27 this year, countries agreed for the first time to finance a fund compensating vulnerable nations for climate-related loss and damage—a measure UCS advocated for via a joint letter from 143 organizations, and 10,000+ emails from UCS supporters.
NREL
UCS Research, Advocacy Inform Game-Changing US Climate Law
After decades of advocacy for a national plan to address climate change, UCS-backed legislation that invests billions to reduce global warming emissions is now law. This opportunity is a stepping stone to more progress for a climate-safe future for all.
Denys Nevozhai/Unsplash
CA Vehicle Standards Go Further to Reduce Pollution, Fight Climate Change
California adopted a new set of standards requiring automakers to sell more zero-emissions vehicles (ZEV), including a target of 100% ZEV by 2035. UCS analysis and advocacy helped strengthen these pollution-reducing standards from less ambitious targets.
hector espinoza/Unsplash
Years of UCS Advocacy Pay Off with Historic MA Climate Bill
A robust climate bill is now law in Massachusetts, after a lengthy UCS campaign that showed its benefits for people and the economy. The law will help reduce emissions from power plants and vehicles, improving public health.
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.
Jplourde umaine/Wikimedia
Advised by UCS, Maine Signs Major Renewable Energy Bills
With UCS expertise and advocacy, Maine passed several bills setting clean energy goals that rank among the nation’s most ambitious.
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.
Feature
50 Years of Science and Action
Since our founding in 1969 we've helped address some of the world’s most pressing problems.