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
Bob Korn/Shutterstock
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.
Antoni Shkraba/Pexels
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.
Patrick Hendry/Unsplash
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
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.