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
Michael Fousert/Unsplash
California Passes First-in-the-Nation Bidirectional EV Charging Bill
After years of education and advocacy from UCS and others, California became the first state to require that EVs offer bidirectional charging capability—a forward-thinking solution for lower bills, grid resilience, and clean back-up power.
tagu/Shutterstock
New Federal Rules to Modernize US Power Grid Cite UCS
Citing UCS research 33 times in their final rule, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved guidelines to improve outdated electricity grids, allowing for more renewable energy and requiring grid operators to plan for climate change.
arbyreed/Flickr
New EPA Rules Offer $370 Billion in Climate and Health Benefits
These new rules, informed by UCS analysis, place limits on carbon emissions from new gas plants and existing coal plants. UCS was invited to the announcement of this historic announcement in recognition of our role in helping pass it.
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.
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.
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.