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.

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.

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.

In a move that will boost reliable, inexpensive clean energy and jobs in the region—that UCS has supported in state legislatures and with utility regulators for years—a Midwestern utility has voted to invest billions in its transmission system.

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.

A new MA law—informed by UCS analysis and advocacy, including a coalition of environmental justice groups that has convened for years—will speed the local transition to clean energy, and address the unfair burdens of polluting energy infrastructure.

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.

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UCS research 33 times in their final rule, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved guidelines to improve outdated electricity grids, allowing for more renewable energy and requiring grid operators to plan for climate change.

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.