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UCS research 33 times in their final rule, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved guidelines to improve outdated electricity grids, allowing for more renewable energy and requiring grid operators to plan for climate change.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
Led Scientists in Protest Against Space Weapons
More than 700 members of the National Academy of Sciences, signed the UCS Appeal to Ban Space Weapons.
Convened Top Scientists to Provide Facts on US Missile Defense
Many of the nation's top scientists, joined UCS to participate in the first-ever scientist-led teleconference
Rallied 100,000 Students for Teach-Ins on Nuclear War Threats
UCS sponsored teach-ins at 150 campuses in 42 states.
zhangyang13576997233/Shutterstock
zhangyang13576997233/Shutterstock
UCS launches work on renewable energy with publication of Energy Strategies: Toward A Solar Future.
UCS launches work on renewable energy.
Photo: Matthew Platt/CC BY-SA (Flickr)
UCS opens an office In Washington, DC.
UCS opens an office In Washington, DC.
Offered a Prescient Warning of Danger at Three Mile Island Nuclear Plant
UCS called upon the US government to shut down the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant.
Reduced the Threat of the Nuclear Arms Race
UCS worked to expose the drawbacks of the Nixon administration's plans for an anti-ballistic missile system.
Photo: Greg Dunlap/CC BY (Flickr)
Alerted Public to Defects of Nuclear Power Cooling Systems
UCS provides independent technical expertise at national hearings that spark widespread concern over nuclear power safety.
Sebastian Ter Berg
UCS begins work on nuclear power safety.
UCS begins work on nuclear power safety.
Organized a Groundbreaking Mobilization of Scientists
Students and faculty at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology organized a day of action to protest the US government’s misuse of science.
Feature
50 Years of Science and Action
Since our founding in 1969 we've helped address some of the world’s most pressing problems.