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
Patrick Hendry/Unsplash
Fenceline Communities Better Protected from Chemical Disasters
UCS has worked for years to draw attention to weak standards that do not protect workers and adjacent communities from potential chemical plant disasters. A new EPA rule strengthens requirements for such facilities’ preparedness and prevention.
Sam Churchill/Flickr
UCS Helps Bring Clean Energy to Michigan
A slate of clean-energy bills that UCS advocated for has been signed into law in Michigan—establishing a 100% clean energy standard, expanding energy efficiency programs, and creating jobs.
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EPA Closes PFAS Loophole after UCS and Partners Sue
The EPA addressed a dangerous loophole allowing US facilities to avoid disclosing the release of PFAS, aka “forever chemicals,” in response to a lawsuit filed with UCS support. Previous UCS research exposed too-high levels of PFAS in drinking water.
Major accomplishments
UCS creates a dedicated team to work on scientific integrity in government, now called the Center For Science And Democracy.
UCS creates a dedicated team to work on scientific integrity in government.
Organized 17,000 Scientists to Oppose Bush Administration's Abuse of Science
UCS fought back and drew widespread visibility to the systematic effort to undermine science.
Sounded an Alarm on the Reckless Overuse of Antibiotics on Farms
A UCS report estimated that animal agriculture was using eight times more antibiotics than were being used to treat humans.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Feature
50 Years of Science and Action
Since our founding in 1969 we've helped address some of the world’s most pressing problems.