http://www.ucsusa.org RSS feed of UCS news Convio Content Management System Module en-us null-557325924 http://www.ucsusa.org/system/rss/clickthrough.jsp?feedTag=Union+of+Concerned+Scientists&subsiteID=10937102&url=http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/ucs-supports-fossil-fuel-divestment-0437.html In advance of the UN Climate Summit in New York City next week, UCS announces its support for divestment from fossil fuels. Thu, 18 Sep 2014 00:00:00 -0500 null-556709067 http://www.ucsusa.org/system/rss/clickthrough.jsp?feedTag=Union+of+Concerned+Scientists&subsiteID=10937102&url=http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/electric-cars-are-getting-cleaner-0436.html Sixty percent of Americans now live in regions where electric vehicles (EVs) produce fewer heat-trapping global warming emissions per mile than the most efficient hybrids, according to an updated analysis from the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). Three years ago, that number was just 45 percent. Tue, 16 Sep 2014 00:00:00 -0500 null-556908834 http://www.ucsusa.org/system/rss/clickthrough.jsp?feedTag=Union+of+Concerned+Scientists&subsiteID=10937102&url=http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/governor-brown-drought-groundwater-legislation-0437.html California Governor Edmund G. Brown approved sweeping oversight of groundwater resources today, in an unprecedented step for the state, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). Tue, 16 Sep 2014 00:00:00 -0500 null-556890957 http://www.ucsusa.org/system/rss/clickthrough.jsp?feedTag=Union+of+Concerned+Scientists&subsiteID=10937102&url=http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/new-dunkin-brand-palm-oil-0436.html Dunkin’ Brands announced new commitments for sourcing deforestation-free palm oil, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). Tue, 16 Sep 2014 00:00:00 -0500 null-555213117 http://www.ucsusa.org/system/rss/clickthrough.jsp?feedTag=Union+of+Concerned+Scientists&subsiteID=10937102&url=http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/new-report-shows-rocky-0435.html Rocky Mountain forests are under an unprecedented assault from wildfires, tree-killing insects, and heat-and drought-related stress, according to a report released today by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) and the Rocky Mountain Climate Organization (RMCO). Wed, 10 Sep 2014 00:00:00 -0500 null-553913514 http://www.ucsusa.org/system/rss/clickthrough.jsp?feedTag=Union+of+Concerned+Scientists&subsiteID=10937102&url=http://www.ucsusa.org/news/commentary/new-poet-dsm-cellulosic-biofuel-plant-0434.html Poet-DSM’s opening of a cellulosic biofuel production facility in Emmetsburg, Iowa marks the beginning of commercial-scale cellulosic biofuel production, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). The plant is the first of three scheduled to come on line this year, including DuPont’s in Iowa and Abengoa’s in Kansas Wed, 03 Sep 2014 00:00:00 -0500 null-553629781 http://www.ucsusa.org/system/rss/clickthrough.jsp?feedTag=Union+of+Concerned+Scientists&subsiteID=10937102&url=http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/calif-groundwater-legislation-0433.html During the third year of a record-breaking drought, California lawmakers agreed to require more sweeping oversight of the state’s groundwater resources. Fri, 29 Aug 2014 00:00:00 -0500 null-552553126 http://www.ucsusa.org/system/rss/clickthrough.jsp?feedTag=Union+of+Concerned+Scientists&subsiteID=10937102&url=http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/california-law-supports-million-zero-emission-vehicles-0432.html California Legislature approves the Charge Ahead California Initiative, which aims to bring one million electric cars, trucks and buses to California by 2023. Thu, 28 Aug 2014 00:00:00 -0500 null-552549672 http://www.ucsusa.org/system/rss/clickthrough.jsp?feedTag=Union+of+Concerned+Scientists&subsiteID=10937102&url=http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/calif-legislature-invests-truck-tech-0431.html California Legislature approves investments in low-carbon truck and bus technologies Thu, 28 Aug 2014 00:00:00 -0500 null-552166985 http://www.ucsusa.org/system/rss/clickthrough.jsp?feedTag=Union+of+Concerned+Scientists&subsiteID=10937102&url=http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/merger-burger-king-and-tim-hortons-0430.html A statement released today by UCS in regards to the Burger King merger with Tim Hortons restaurant chain urges commentators to consider both companies record on palm oil. Wed, 27 Aug 2014 00:00:00 -0500 null-548274184 http://www.ucsusa.org/system/rss/clickthrough.jsp?feedTag=Union+of+Concerned+Scientists&subsiteID=10937102&url=http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/journalism-science-groups-epa-science-advisers-0429.html Journalists and scientists are urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to stop banning leading national scientists from talking to media outlets and the public. Tue, 12 Aug 2014 00:00:00 -0500 null-546515624 http://www.ucsusa.org/system/rss/clickthrough.jsp?feedTag=Union+of+Concerned+Scientists&subsiteID=10937102&url=http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/policy-for-prevention-0428.html A factsheet shows how an innovative policy in the Farm Bill will allow hospitals and health insurers to increase prevention efforts. Tue, 05 Aug 2014 00:00:00 -0500 null-544729240 http://www.ucsusa.org/system/rss/clickthrough.jsp?feedTag=Union+of+Concerned+Scientists&subsiteID=10937102&url=http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/280-public-health-fda-added-sugar-label-0427.html More than 330 scientists, physicians and public health officials are calling on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to include a line for added sugar on the ubiquitous Nutrition Facts label. Mon, 28 Jul 2014 00:00:00 -0500 null-543100062 http://www.ucsusa.org/system/rss/clickthrough.jsp?feedTag=Union+of+Concerned+Scientists&subsiteID=10937102&url=http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/agricultural-residues-0426.html UCS analysis finds that 10 U.S. states could provide abundant agricultural byproducts for low-carbon fuel and electricity. Mon, 21 Jul 2014 00:00:00 -0500 null-539971810 http://www.ucsusa.org/system/rss/clickthrough.jsp?feedTag=Union+of+Concerned+Scientists&subsiteID=10937102&url=http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/legislation-exempts-oil-industry-0425.html UCS urges the California Legislature to defeat AB69 and maintain the responsibility of transportation fuel providers to contribute their fair share to the state’s cap-and-trade program. Thu, 03 Jul 2014 00:00:00 -0500 null-538550704 http://www.ucsusa.org/system/rss/clickthrough.jsp?feedTag=Union+of+Concerned+Scientists&subsiteID=10937102&url=http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/new-video-oil-armed-forces-0424.html Our nation’s continued oil use is posing a dangerous threat to our nation’s armed forces and security, but engineers and national security experts are working together to make oil savings solutions a reality, according to a new video by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) and the Truman National Security Project. Tue, 01 Jul 2014 00:00:00 -0500 null-537561544 http://www.ucsusa.org/system/rss/clickthrough.jsp?feedTag=Union+of+Concerned+Scientists&subsiteID=10937102&url=http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/calif-funds-low-carbon-transpo-0423.html New California funding plan encourages continued deployment of clean vehicles. Thu, 26 Jun 2014 00:00:00 -0500 null-536605422 http://www.ucsusa.org/system/rss/clickthrough.jsp?feedTag=Union+of+Concerned+Scientists&subsiteID=10937102&url=http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/sugar-industry-health-science-policymaking-0422.html Food and beverage companies regularly obscure the negative health effects of over-consuming sugar when trying to influence food policy, according to a new report from the Center for Science and Democracy at the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). Thu, 26 Jun 2014 00:00:00 -0500 null-535792413 http://www.ucsusa.org/system/rss/clickthrough.jsp?feedTag=Union+of+Concerned+Scientists&subsiteID=10937102&url=http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/missile-defense-agency-slated-0421.html The U.S. Missile Defense Agency is planning a $200M test of its anti-ICBM system on Sunday after a string of failures. Thu, 19 Jun 2014 00:00:00 -0500 null-532011911 http://www.ucsusa.org/system/rss/clickthrough.jsp?feedTag=Union+of+Concerned+Scientists&subsiteID=10937102&url=http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/report-finds-deforestation-successes-0420.html Programs and policies to reduce tropical deforestation are seeing broad success in 17 countries across four continents, according UCS. Wed, 04 Jun 2014 00:00:00 -0500 null-531347837 http://www.ucsusa.org/system/rss/clickthrough.jsp?feedTag=Union+of+Concerned+Scientists&subsiteID=10937102&url=http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/epa-power-plant-standard-0419.html In a historic step, the EPA today proposed the first-ever limits on carbon emissions from existing power plants fueled by coal and natural gas, with new analysis from the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) finding that there are opportunities for the standard to achieve even deeper and cost-effective emissions reductions from the power sector. Mon, 02 Jun 2014 00:00:00 -0500 null-530658662 http://www.ucsusa.org/system/rss/clickthrough.jsp?feedTag=Union+of+Concerned+Scientists&subsiteID=10937102&url=http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/ohio-res-freeze-0418.html Ohio Governor John Kasich (R) is poised to sign legislation, SB 310, that will stop progress towards achieving Ohio’s renewable energy and energy efficiency standards for two years, with the intent to further roll back the standards at that time. Statement by Steve Frenkel, Union of Concerned Scientists. Fri, 30 May 2014 00:00:00 -0500 null-529990615 http://www.ucsusa.org/system/rss/clickthrough.jsp?feedTag=Union+of+Concerned+Scientists&subsiteID=10937102&url=http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/nrc-commissioners-kill-0417.html The Nuclear Regulatory Commission today announced that four of its five members voted to decline further consideration of a plan to expedite transferring spent nuclear fuel from cooling pools to dry casks at U.S. nuclear plants. Tue, 27 May 2014 00:00:00 -0500 null-529892715 http://www.ucsusa.org/system/rss/clickthrough.jsp?feedTag=Union+of+Concerned+Scientists&subsiteID=10937102&url=http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/2014-automaker-rankings-0416.html The country’s eight bestselling automakers are all improving their environmental performance thanks to new technologies and stronger standards for fuel efficiency and tailpipe emissions, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists’ (UCS) latest Automaker Rankings report, which found that Hyundai-Kia has unseated Honda to become the group’s new “Greenest Automaker.” Tue, 27 May 2014 00:00:00 -0500 null-528743387 http://www.ucsusa.org/system/rss/clickthrough.jsp?feedTag=Union+of+Concerned+Scientists&subsiteID=10937102&url=http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/californias-bold-blueprint-0415.html California passes new roadmap for carbon reductions Thu, 22 May 2014 00:00:00 -0500 null-526599104 http://www.ucsusa.org/system/rss/clickthrough.jsp?feedTag=Union+of+Concerned+Scientists&subsiteID=10937102&url=http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/historic-sites-at-risk-0413.html Climate change is putting landmark U.S. historic sites at risk, according to a Union of Concerned Scientists report. Tue, 20 May 2014 00:00:00 -0500 null-527785619 http://www.ucsusa.org/system/rss/clickthrough.jsp?feedTag=Union+of+Concerned+Scientists&subsiteID=10937102&url=http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/pepsicos-palm-oil-policy-not-enough-0414.html PepsiCo released a new palm oil sourcing policy, which could help the company reduce its contribution to tropical deforestation and global warming, according to UCS. Tue, 20 May 2014 00:00:00 -0500 null-523704763 http://www.ucsusa.org/system/rss/clickthrough.jsp?feedTag=Union+of+Concerned+Scientists&subsiteID=10937102&url=http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/food-industry-obscures-added-sugar-0411-2.html Food companies use misleading marketing and front group campaigns to obscure the health consequences of added sugar in their products, according to a new report, Sugar-Coating Science: How the Food Industry Misleads Consumers on Sugar, from the Center for Science and Democracy at the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). Tue, 06 May 2014 00:00:00 -0500 null-523714206 http://www.ucsusa.org/system/rss/clickthrough.jsp?feedTag=Union+of+Concerned+Scientists&subsiteID=10937102&url=http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/national-climate-assessment-0412.html The United States Global Change Research Program’s National Climate Assessment, which was released today, offers the fullest accounting yet of the risks Americans face from a changing climate, according to experts at the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). Tue, 06 May 2014 00:00:00 -0500 null-521796298 http://www.ucsusa.org/system/rss/clickthrough.jsp?feedTag=Union+of+Concerned+Scientists&subsiteID=10937102&url=http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/Washington-governor-climate-plan-0410.html UCS statement on Washington governor's climate action plan. Tue, 29 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0500 null-518000402 http://www.ucsusa.org/system/rss/clickthrough.jsp?feedTag=Union+of+Concerned+Scientists&subsiteID=10937102&url=http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/virginia-supreme-court-document-requests-0409.html The Virginia Supreme Court today unanimously upheld a lower court ruling that would block the American Tradition Institute (ATI) from receiving thousands of private emails from former University of Virginia (U.Va.) climate scientist Michael Mann. Thu, 17 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0500 null-515659281 http://www.ucsusa.org/system/rss/clickthrough.jsp?feedTag=Union+of+Concerned+Scientists&subsiteID=10937102&url=http://www.ucsusa.org/news/commentary/procter-gamble-offers-0408.html Procter & Gamble today released their palm oil sourcing policy according to UCS. Wed, 09 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0500 null-514169474 http://www.ucsusa.org/system/rss/clickthrough.jsp?feedTag=Union+of+Concerned+Scientists&subsiteID=10937102&url=http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/cable-news-climate-science-0407.html The scientific accuracy of climate change coverage varies significantly across the three major cable news networks, according to a new analysis from the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). Mon, 07 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0500 null-512921817 http://www.ucsusa.org/system/rss/clickthrough.jsp?feedTag=Union+of+Concerned+Scientists&subsiteID=10937102&url=http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/house-science-committee-industry-witnesses-0406.html The House Committee on Science, Space and Technology has significantly increased its reliance on industry witnesses under both Democratic and Republican control, according to a new analysis from the Center for Science and Democracy at the Union of Concerned Scientists. Mon, 31 Mar 2014 00:00:00 -0500 null-510827959 http://www.ucsusa.org/system/rss/clickthrough.jsp?feedTag=Union+of+Concerned+Scientists&subsiteID=10937102&url=http://www.ucsusa.org/news/commentary/general-mills-deforestation-free-palm-oil-0404.html UCS weighs in on General Mills committment to sourcing deforestation-free palm oil. Mon, 24 Mar 2014 00:00:00 -0500 null-510868270 http://www.ucsusa.org/system/rss/clickthrough.jsp?feedTag=Union+of+Concerned+Scientists&subsiteID=10937102&url=http://www.ucsusa.org/news/commentary/colgate-palmolive-deforestation-free-palm-oil-0405.html Colgate-Palmolive today released their palm oil sourcing policy according to UCS. Mon, 24 Mar 2014 00:00:00 -0500 null-508515795 http://www.ucsusa.org/system/rss/clickthrough.jsp?feedTag=Union+of+Concerned+Scientists&subsiteID=10937102&url=http://www.ucsusa.org/news/commentary/senate-vote-flood-insurance-climate-0403.html The Senate late yesterday passed a bill by a 72-22 vote that would roll back flood insurance reforms, leaving taxpayers on the hook for increased costs from sea-level rise, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). Fri, 14 Mar 2014 00:00:00 -0500 null-507998362 http://www.ucsusa.org/system/rss/clickthrough.jsp?feedTag=Union+of+Concerned+Scientists&subsiteID=10937102&url=http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/Michigan-Renewables-Report-0402.html Michigan can meet nearly a third of its electricity needs by tripling power produced from in-state renewable energy sources by 2030 at virtually no additional cost to consumers, all while maintaining reliability and spurring billions of dollars of investment in the state, according to a Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) report released today. Wed, 12 Mar 2014 00:00:00 -0500 null-506881087 http://www.ucsusa.org/system/rss/clickthrough.jsp?feedTag=Union+of+Concerned+Scientists&subsiteID=10937102&url=http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/ucs-releases-annual-nrc-report-0401.html UCS Releases Annual NRC and Nuclear Safety Report Fri, 07 Mar 2014 00:00:00 -0600 null-506384548 http://www.ucsusa.org/system/rss/clickthrough.jsp?feedTag=Union+of+Concerned+Scientists&subsiteID=10937102&url=http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/iconic-american-brands-deforestation-0400.html UCS released a scorecard grading the palm oil sourcing commitments of 30 top companies in the packaged food, fast food and personal care sectors. Wed, 05 Mar 2014 00:00:00 -0600 null-506191342 http://www.ucsusa.org/system/rss/clickthrough.jsp?feedTag=Union+of+Concerned+Scientists&subsiteID=10937102&url=http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/ucs-announces-new-president.html The Union of Concerned Scientists today named Kenneth L. Kimmell its new president. Tue, 04 Mar 2014 00:00:00 -0600 null-506169237 http://www.ucsusa.org/system/rss/clickthrough.jsp?feedTag=Union+of+Concerned+Scientists&subsiteID=10937102&url=http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/obama-budget-climate-fund-0399.html President Obama’s call for a billion-dollar climate resilience fund in his latest budget demonstrates how our national debate about climate change is shifting, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists Tue, 04 Mar 2014 00:00:00 -0600 null-506187304 http://www.ucsusa.org/system/rss/clickthrough.jsp?feedTag=Union+of+Concerned+Scientists&subsiteID=10937102&url=http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/ucs-welcomes-doe-suspension.html The Energy Department plans to put the MOX fuel facility in South Carolina on "cold standby" while it figures out how to dispose of surplus plutonium. Tue, 04 Mar 2014 00:00:00 -0600 null-505885185 http://www.ucsusa.org/system/rss/clickthrough.jsp?feedTag=Union+of+Concerned+Scientists&subsiteID=10937102&url=http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/tier-3-standards-0398.html The Obama administration today finalized a new rule to clean up gasoline and reduce harmful emissions from passenger vehicles, a move that will protect public health and create new jobs, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists. Mon, 03 Mar 2014 00:00:00 -0600 null-505278201 http://www.ucsusa.org/system/rss/clickthrough.jsp?feedTag=Union+of+Concerned+Scientists&subsiteID=10937102&url=http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/nrc-board-rejects-challenge.html The Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s Atomic Safety and Licensing Board announced that it has rejected a challenge to Energy Department contractor Shaw Areva MOX Services’ license to operate the Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication facility at the Savannah River Site in South Carolina. Thu, 27 Feb 2014 00:00:00 -0600 null-503012730 http://www.ucsusa.org/system/rss/clickthrough.jsp?feedTag=Union+of+Concerned+Scientists&subsiteID=10937102&url=http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/california-scientists-urge-emissions-reductions-0397.html California scientists sent a letter to policy makers urging steeper reductions in global warming emissions. Wed, 19 Feb 2014 00:00:00 -0600 null-502680723 http://www.ucsusa.org/system/rss/clickthrough.jsp?feedTag=Union+of+Concerned+Scientists&subsiteID=10937102&url=http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/round-2-heavy-truck-standards-0396.html President Obama reaffirmed his commitment to reducing the nation’s oil use today with the announcement that his administration will propose and finalize a new round of fuel efficiency standards for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles before he leaves office. Statement by Michelle Robinson, Union of Concerned Scientists’ Clean Vehicles Program. Tue, 18 Feb 2014 00:00:00 -0600 null-501629763 http://www.ucsusa.org/system/rss/clickthrough.jsp?feedTag=Union+of+Concerned+Scientists&subsiteID=10937102&url=http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/climate-resiliency-fund-0395.html President Barack Obama President Barack Obama will announce what the Union of Concerned Scientists described as a “crucially needed” $1 billion “Climate Resilience Fund” he plans to include in his 2015 budget next month. Fri, 14 Feb 2014 00:00:00 -0600 null-500659224 http://www.ucsusa.org/system/rss/clickthrough.jsp?feedTag=Union+of+Concerned+Scientists&subsiteID=10937102&url=http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/ucs-book-on-fukushima.html New UCS Book on Fukushima Nuclear Disaster Gets Rave Reviews Tue, 11 Feb 2014 00:00:00 -0600 null-497385439 http://www.ucsusa.org/system/rss/clickthrough.jsp?feedTag=Union+of+Concerned+Scientists&subsiteID=10937102&url=http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/president-makes-climate-case-0394.html Alden Meyer, director of strategy and policy at the Union of Concerned Scientists, comments on President Obama's statement, in his State of the Union address, that climate change “is a fact." Wed, 29 Jan 2014 00:00:00 -0600