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
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After UCS Advocacy, >13 Million People Protected By New Ethylene Oxide Regulation
UCS ran an advocacy campaign, including media attention, public comments, and testimony, to pressure the EPA into setting stricter limits on ethylene oxide emissions. The outcome? Far stronger new standards and widespread public health benefits.
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7 Billion Tons of Climate Pollution Avoided Thanks to New UCS-backed Vehicle Standards
The newest EPA rules will help prevent an estimated 7.2 billion tons of global warming pollution by 2055—to get there, UCS provided technical feedback, facilitated 14,000+ public comments from supporters, and rallied reinforcement in Congress.
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More Than 12,000 Chemical Facilities Better Prepared for 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.
Major accomplishments
Won Protection for Scientific Whistleblowers
UCS won a landmark victory in Congress with the passage of a bill that explicitly grants whistleblowers protection.
Provided Critical, Independent Expertise on the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster
UCS issued a report highlighting the steps the US government should take to increase safety and resilience at American nuclear plants.
Helped Reduce Nuclear Stockpiles in the United States & Russia
UCS technical expertise informed the US Senate decision to approve the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty.
Dramatically Cut Emissions from Cars and Trucks
After years of analysis and public engagement, we helped pass landmark emissions and fuel efficiency standards at the federal level—a signature UCS victory
Halved Global Warming Emissions in the Northeast
Climate experts relied upon UCS analysis to craft the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.
UCS opens its Midwest office in Chicago.
UCS opens its Midwest office in Chicago.
Won International Protections to Preserve the World's Rainforests
UCS played a key role in winning international protections through a UN agreement for the world's rainforests.
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.
Feature
50 Years of Science and Action
Since our founding in 1969 we've helped address some of the world’s most pressing problems.