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
S. Young/UCS
Historic Win for Survivors of Radiation Exposure
For years, UCS has worked with communities exposed to radiation from US nuclear weapons activities for justice and compensation. Legislation providing compensation lapsed in 2024; after much advocacy, Congress renewed and expanded it to cover more people.
Cavan Images/Getty Images
UCS Science, Advocacy Help Secure Clean Energy in Maine
A new Maine law requires the state’s power to come from 100% carbon-free electricity sources by 2040, saving consumers money. UCS staff rallied support for the law by testifying at hearings, promoting a lobby day, and working with local partners.
Clemens van Lay/Unsplash
Nuclear Security Agency Responds To UCS Scientist's Concerns
After a UCS scientist co-authored an article on the potential for a certain kind of in demand uranium fuel to be used to make nuclear weapons, US nuclear security agency NNSA agreed to sponsor a study on this risk.
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.