Union of Concerned Scientists

Website: http://www.ucsusa.org

Phone: 202-223-6133

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Last Updated: February 10, 2009

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Recently Uploaded Resources

UCS: Senate Passes Stimulus Package; Science Group Urges Conferees to Accept House Version

Clean Energy, Efficient Tax Incentives Would Create Jobs; Loan Guarantees for Nuclear and Coal Would Create Problems...

UCS: Economic Recovery Plan to Move in House and Senate this Week

Clean Energy, Efficiency Tax Initiatives Would Help Revive Economy, Science Group Says

Warming Temperatures Drive Up Pollen Production and Allergies

Dr. Lewis Ziska confirms the link between global warming and longer allergy seasons. In North America, tree pollen is emerging on average two weeks sooner in spring, and ragweed pollen is spewing into the air for two to four weeks longer in fall.

The Health Effects of Hotter Days and Nights

Matthew Huber, a professor of earth and atmospheric sciences at Purdue University, and Steven Sherwood, of the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, analyzed the highest tolerable heat-wave conditions in a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Their research found that Earth's future temperatures could exceed livable limits in some regions.

UCS Reacts to USGCRP Report

On June 16, Union of Concern Scientists reacts to the U.S. Global Change Research Projects report on climate change impacts in the U.S.

UCS: Allowance Deal Needs Improvement as Climate and Energy Bill Keeps Moving Forward

Statement from Union of Concerned Scientists on Waxman-Markey bill released May 15, 2009.

UCS Factsheets on Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States Report

UCS has created regional and national factsheets summarizing the main findings of the federal climate report, Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States, including state-specific findings.

Macroeconomic Impact Analysis of Proposed Greenhouse Gas and Fuel Economy Standards for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles

Macroeconomic Impact Analysis of Proposed Greenhouse Gas and Fuel Economy Standards for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles

New Truck Standards Will Lower Emissions, Create Jobs and Reduce Oil Consumption

New Truck Standards Will Lower Emissions, Create Jobs and Reduce Oil Consumption

WHITE HOUSE NEEDS TO LET EPA DO ITS JOB TO CURB SMOG, SCIENCE GROUP SAYS

WHITE HOUSE NEEDS TO LET EPA DO ITS JOB TO CURB SMOG, SCIENCE GROUP SAYS

UCS: Obama Clean Car Standards Deliver Massive Oil Savings

Union of Concerned Scientists' response to President Obama's announcement on May 19, 2009 that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Transportation will establish a uniform federal standard to reduce global warming pollution from cars and light trucks and improve vehicle efficiency.

Confronting Climate Change in the U.S. Northeast

A July 2007 report on the science, impacts and solutions to climate change in the U.S. Northeast.

Climate 2030: A National Blueprint for a Clean Energy Economy

An executive report summary from Union of Concerned Scientists that outlines a comprehensive set of smart policies to jump-start the transition to a clean energy economy.

The Senate Must Fix the Clean Energy Deployment Administration (CEDA)

The Senate Must Fix the Clean Energy Deployment Administration (CEDA)

UCS: Statement on Waxman-Markey Climate Legislation

The Union of Concerned Scientists reacts to the draft climate legislation introduced by Chairman Waxman and Chairman Markey on March 31, 2009.

UCS: The Economic Impacts of Climate Change

A question and answer session with the Union of Concerned Scientists about the effects of climate change policy on jobs, electricity and gas prices, the economy and taxes.

NRC and Nuclear Power Safety in 2010: A Brighter Spotlight Needed

The report examines 14 “near-misses” at U.S. nuclear plants in 2010. These events exposed inadequate training, poor maintenance, faulty design, and failure to thoroughly investigate problems. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission's inspections reveal only a fraction of the problems that exist, and the report reviews examples of the agency’s effective and ineffective responses.

UCS Reacts to Passage of ACES Through House

On June 26, Union of Concerned Scientists reacts to the passage of the American Clean Energy & Security Act through the House.

UCS Condemns House Subcommittee Vote to Block EPA from Safeguarding Public Health and Environment

Rep. Upton's Bill ignores the vast body of scientific evidence that carbon emissions are leading to climate change and harming public health. This legislation would also undermine efforts that would save American drivers thousands of dollars at the pump over the life of their vehicles through stronger fuel efficiency standards.

Nuclear Incident ABCs

Fact sheet on nuclear incidents.

UCS: Obama Administration EPA Recognizes the Science, Opens Doors for National Climate Regulations

Press release from the Union of Concerned Scientists in response to the EPA's announcement on Friday, April 17 that it considers carbon pollution to be a threat to America's public health and welfare.

Nuclear Power: Still Not Viable Without Subsidies

All low-carbon energy technologies could compete on their merits if the government stopped subsidizing nuclear power and put a price on carbon, says the report from February 23rd by the Union of Concerned Scientists. “Nuclear Power: Still Not Viable Without Subsidies” details over 30 subsidies that have propped every stage of the nuclear fuel cycle for 50 years. The subsidies have frequently been more valuable than power provided, and even the low-end subsidies give nuclear a cost advantage over competing sources. Still worse, the cost of nuclear technology continues to escalate while subsidies may significantly increase. The study recommends modernization in nuclear liability systems, establishment of production process regulations and fee structures, and a reduction in nuclear subsidies – or at minimum a process of prioritizing the funding for cost-effective and low-carbon technologies.

After 50 Years, Nuclear Power is Still Not Viable without Subsidies, New Report Finds, UCS 2.23.11

 

Scientists Statement on the Clean Air Act 2.2011

Scientists’ Statement on the Clean Air Act Updated 2.8.11

Progress on Climate and REDD in the United States Congress

A September 2008 fact sheet on proposed U.S. legislation that includes provisions for REDD.

Urge the EPA to Stick to its Timeline to Reduce Global Warming Emissions Without Delay, UCS

The EPA announced a schedule for issuing rules to actually limit emissions from power plants and petroleum refineries—some of the nation’s oldest and dirtiest pollution sources, which account for 40 percent of all U.S. global warming emissions. The EPA plans to finalize the rules by mid to late 2012 and is now accepting public comments on this timeline. The EPA needs to hear that concerned citizens like you support its timeline and would oppose any further delay.

Delivering the Goods Factsheet

Delivering the Goods Factsheet From Union of Concerned Scientists/Natural Resources Defense Council/ American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy on how we can achieve more efficient heavy-duty vehicles

The Road Ahead Fact Sheet

he Road Ahead: Factsheet from UCS/NRDC on how we can achieve 60 mpg

National Poll Shows Overwhelming Support for New Fuel Efficiency, Tailpipe Emissions Standards

 

UCS Statement on Announcement that Senate Will Delay Taking Up Climate and Energy Legislation

Sen. Harry Reid’s (D-Nev.) announcement today that the Senate will delay taking up climate and energy legislation until September should pressure his colleagues to pass a bill before the 111th Congress ends, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS).

Unlimited Taxpayer Liability in CEDA

Both the American Clean Energy Leadership Act of 2009 (ACELA, S. 1462) in the Senate and the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES, H.R. 2454) in the House make changes to the existing Title XVII Department of Energy (DOE) Loan Guarantee Program and establish a new Clean Energy Deployment Administration (CEDA). The Senate version moves Title XVII under CEDA control, while the House version keeps Title XVII administered by DOE. The purpose of CEDA in both bills is to “promote access to affordable financing for accelerated and widespread deployment” of clean energy, energy infrastructure, energy efficiency, and manufacturing technologies. Nuclear power and coal are eligible under the definition of “clean energy technologies” in both versions. CEDA would be authorized to provide direct credit support, like loan guarantees and direct financing, as well as indirect support. The Senate version of CEDA, however, would authorize an unlimited amount of loan guarantees with no congressional authority required.

UCS report on biofuels

Union of concerned Scientists publish a new report on how to get biofuels back on track. The report recommends increasing U.S. cellulosic biofuels production to 1 billion gallons per year through a suite of financial incentives that would help build 10 to 20 commercial scale biorefineries nationwide. Such a “billion gallon challenge” would get advanced biofuels production back on track to meet the requirements of the Renewable Fuel Standard and buoy the industry.

Union of Concerned Scientists - new report on biofuels

Union of concerned Scientists develop new report on getting biofuels back on track. The report recommends increasing U.S. cellulosic biofuels production to 1 billion gallons per year through a suite of financial incentives that would help build 10 to 20 commercial scale biorefineries nationwide. Such a “billion gallon challenge” would get advanced biofuels production back on track to meet the requirements of the Renewable Fuel Standard and buy the industry.

UCS: Senate Rejects Murkowski Attack On Science and Clean Air Act

A June 10 statement by the Union of Concerned Scientists appauding the Senate's rejection of the Murkowski resolution

Letter from 1,806 Scientists to Congress against Senator Murkowksi's ammendment

 

UCS: Burning coal, burning cash: Ranking the states that import the most coal

A report by the Union of Concerned Scientists that contains many statistics related to coal imports amongst the states.

Union of Concerned Scientists: New Senate climate and energy bill crucial step forward, but Senators must hold the line on important provisions

 

Union of Concerned Scientists: Spill Response Should Include Comprehensive Oil Savings Policies

 

UCS on Clean Cars Rule

A Statement from the Union of Concerned Scientists on the finalization of the EPA/DOT transportation fuel efficiency standards regulations.

Cashing in on Clean Energy

UCS fact sheets on consumer savings, job creation, economic development, and climate benefits from a 20% by 2020 standard for renewable electricity production in 20 states, including: CA, CO, FL, IN, IA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NJ, NM, NY, ND, OH, PA, SD, TN, TX, WA, WI

UCS Statement on Offshore Oil expansion

A press release from the Union of Concerned Scientists reacting to President Obama's proposal to reopen offshore oil drilling.

UCS Analysis of CLEAR

A breakdown of the Cantwell-Collins Carbon Limits and Energy for America's Renewal Act from the Union of Concerned Scientists.

UCS Letter to Congress: Potect the CAA

A letter from 569 scientists to Congress urging protection of the Clean Air Act through the opposition to Murkowski's proposed amendments.

A Target for U.S. Emissions Reductions

A 2007 UCS fact sheet on how the Global Warming Pollution Act (S. 309) and the Safe Climate Act (H.R. 1590) were the only legislative options that would stabilize emissions under 450 ppm CO2eq.

UCS: Global Thermometer is Still Climbing

A climate science update that includes information on the relationship between C02 and global surface temperature, weather, long term and short term temperature trends, and regional abnormalities.

UCS Scientists Petition Opposing Murkowski

Petition with 195 endorsers submitted to the Senate on January 19, 2010 from the Union of Concerned Scientists urging opposition to an amendment from Senator Murkowski that would limit EPA's ability to regulate greenhouse gases.

Global Warming and Indiana

Union of Concerend Scientists Fact Sheet explaining the affects of global warming on Indiana's wildlife and agriculture and the steps the state is already taking to combat global warming.

UCS: President Obama's Trip to Copenhagen Will Help Solidify International Deal

“President Obama’s decision to go to Copenhagen on December 9 to personally deliver the U.S. position on climate change to the rest of the world is welcome news. It will take the personal commitment of the president and other leaders to deliver the fair, ambitious and binding climate agreement that the world needs out of Copenhagen.

A Resurgence of Nuclear Power Poses Significant Challenges

Fact sheet from the Union of Concerned Scientists detailing the numerous challenges of nuclear power including: economic, safety, waste disposal, water resources, siting, and infrastructure.

Nuclear Loan Guarantees: Another Taxpayer Bailout Ahead?

Report from the Union of Concerned Scientists released March 2009 on the risk to taxpayers of the federal government guaranteeing loans to builders of new nuclear power plants.

Correcting the Climate Science Contrarians

UCS fact sheet aims to silence climate science contrarians once-and-for-all

Deforestation Reduction and Climate Adaptation in U.S. Climate Legislation

Union of Concerned Scientists fact sheet on the benefits of forest protection to climate change and the provisions preventing deforestation in the Waxman-Markey bill.

Union of Concerned Scientists Reacts to Introduction of Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act

Press release from the Union of Concerned Scientists on the Senate introduction of energy and climate legislation.

Climate Change in the United States: The Prohibitive Costs of Inaction

A report produced by the Union of Concerned Scientists in September 2009 presents an overview of over 60 studies to determine the potential financial impact of climate change in the United States. The report includes the impact on public health, water resources, agriculture, transportation, and others.

Tropical Deforestation and Global Warming: A Solution

This Union of Concerned Scientists fact sheet explains how tropical deforestation contributes to global warming, and how actions to protect tropical forests can reduce global warming while providing many additional benefits.

Clean Power Green Jobs

A fact sheet from the Union of Concerned Scientists outlining how a national renewable electricity standard will boost the economy through job creation and consumer savings as well as provide climate solutions to protect the environment.

Coal Power in a Warming World

An October 2008 report by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), examining the pros and cons of a proposed technology that would capture global warming pollution from coal plants and store it underground.

Climate Change in Pennsylvania: Impacts and Solutions for the Keystone State

An October 2008 report analyzing climate change-related impacts on key sectors of Pennsylvania and as well as the state's opportunities for solutions.

Hard Data on Climate Change Washington Post LTE

July 27, Letter to the Editor by Brenda Ekwurzel, climate scientist at UCS, in response to George Will's July 23 op-ed "Climate Fixers' Hard Sell"

Reprocessing and Nuclear Waste

Fact sheet from the Union of Concerned Scientists on how reprocessing would increase the total volume of nuclear waste by a factor of seven.

UCS Reacts to Senate Environment and Public Works Passage of Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act

Press release from UCS on November 5, 2009 in support of Senate EPW Committee passage of S. 1733, with comments from Lexi Schultz, climate policy analyst in UCS's Climate and Energy Program.

Letter to CA Air Resources Board on Biofuels and Land Use

Hundreds of scientists and economists signed on to this letter recommending that Mary Nichols, Chairman of the California Air Resources Board includes indirect land use change in the lifecycle analysis of carbon emissions from biofuels.

Reduction Targets and Science Review in the American Clean Energy and Security Act

A July 2009 two-page fact sheet by Union of Concerned Scientists on the targets and scientific review provisions of the American Clean Energy and Security Act.

UCS: Obama's Decision to Change Date to Attend Copenhagen Brightens Prospects for Success

Statement from Union of Concerned Scientist's President Alden Myer, "“The president’s decision to come at the end of the Copenhagen negotiations on December 18 means he will be here in person with other world leaders to seal the deal, not just to present the U.S.position."

UCS: U.S. Stance Retards Progress at Bangkok Climate Talks

Press release from the Union of Concerned Scientists on October 9, 2009 stating disappointment about the level of progress made during the talks in Bangkok and calling on the President and Congress to advance domestic climate policies.

Agricultural Practices and Carbon Sequestration

Fact sheet from Union of Concerned Scientists on October 1, 2009. Discusses agricultural practices that can reduce carbon emission, such as integrated soil-based practices and no-till practices.

Comparison of the American Clean Energy Security Act of 2009 and the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act of 2009

Detailed chart comparing the key provisions of the House-passed ACES and the CEJAP as introduced in September 2009. Released by UCS October 8, 2009.

Protecting Trees, Protecting Our Climate: Ten Reasons to Invest in Reducing Tropical Deforestation

This Union of Concerned Scientists fact sheet compiles the top 10 reasons why preventing tropical deforestation through REDD will benefit the climate and our economy.

Confronting Climate Change in the U.S. Midwest: Indiana

This UCS report presents new projections showing some of the potential impacts of global warming on the Hoosier state, including severe summer heat, more dangerous storms and floods, and new threats to agricultural production.

Confronting Climate Change in the U.S. Midwest: Missouri

This report presents new projections showing some of the potential impacts of global warming on the Show Me State, including sever summer heat, more dangerous storms and floods, and new threats to agricultural production.

Confronting Climate Change in the U.S. Midwest: Ohio

This UCS report presents new projections showing some of the potential impacts of global warming on Ohio, including severe summer heat, more dangerous storms and floods, and new threats to agricultural production.

Confronting Climate Change in the U.S. Midwest: Minnesota

This report presents new projections showing some of the potential impacts of global warming on Minnesota, including severe summer heat, more dangerous storms and floods, and new threats to agricultural production.