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The report examines the systemic failure of the U.S. coastal insurance market, specifically the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which provides subsidized rates that encourage risky development and create massive taxpayer liability. It highlights how climate change—manifesting as sea level rise and stronger hurricanes—is exacerbating these risks, particularly along the East and Gulf Coasts. The author advocates for the full implementation of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 and further measures, such as incorporating sea level rise projections into FEMA flood maps and providing targeted support for low-income homeowners.

The document examines how Hoboken, New Jersey, has historically prioritized short-term economic development over flood risk science, leading to significant vulnerabilities. It details the devastating impacts of Superstorm Sandy and the subsequent implementation of the Hoboken Resiliency and Readiness Plan, which aligns local efforts with federal climate and rebuilding strategies to address sea level rise and extreme weather.

An analysis by the Union of Concerned Scientists found that the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology has seen a steady increase in industry witnesses and a decline in substantive science policy hearings. By the 112th Congress, industry representatives became the most frequent witness category, while hearings focused on legislative or science policy issues dropped to less than 40%. The report suggests that the committee has become more partisan, particularly when the House majority differs from the White House party, leading to a higher proportion of oversight hearings aimed at federal agencies.

The report analyzes 1,824 public responses to a 2013 CDP questionnaire to reveal that many companies fail to disclose their influence on climate policy through trade associations. It finds that companies often hold climate positions inconsistent with the associations they fund or lead, yet struggle to influence those groups' agendas. The authors argue that current U.S. laws allow corporations to obstruct climate action without accountability and call for the SEC to mandate the disclosure of both direct and indirect political activities.

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) analyzed responses from 1,824 companies to a 2013 CDP climate-reporting questionnaire to determine if companies disclosed their board seats in four influential U.S. trade associations: the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (COC), the American Petroleum Institute (API), and the Edison Electric Institute (EEI). The analysis found low rates of disclosure across these groups, with many companies failing to acknowledge their board positions even when publicly responding to the questionnaire.

A 2013 survey by the Union of Concerned Scientists and Consumers Union found that 42% of U.S. households meet the basic requirements to use today's electric vehicles, compared to less than 1% who owned one at the time. Specifically, 42% were eligible for PHEVs and 25% for BEVs. The report suggests that widespread adoption could halve projected U.S. oil use and reduce global warming pollution.

The 2013 update to the 'Ripe for Retirement' report identifies that up to 329 coal-fired generators (58.7 GW) in 38 U.S. states are no longer economically competitive with existing natural gas plants, and up to 71 GW are uncompetitive with new wind power. These units, combined with those already retired or announced for retirement, represent more than one-third of the country's coal-generating capacity. The analysis suggests that a combination of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and underutilized natural gas plants can replace this capacity, though the authors warn against overdependence on natural gas due to climate and economic risks.

The document examines the proliferation of glyphosate-resistant weeds across approximately 60 million acres of U.S. cropland, attributing the crisis to the 'perfect storm' of monoculture, overreliance on a single herbicide, and the neglect of nonchemical control methods. It criticizes the agribusiness industry's proposal to introduce crops resistant to more toxic herbicides like dicamba and 2,4-D, warning that this will accelerate the evolution of multiple-herbicide resistance and increase environmental and health risks. Instead, the authors propose agroecological solutions—such as crop rotation, cover crops, and biodiversity—which they claim could reduce herbicide use by over 90% while maintaining yields. The brief concludes with recommendations for the USDA and Congress to fund sustainable weed control and support organic farming transitions.

A 2013 survey by the Union of Concerned Scientists and Consumer Reports found that 42% of U.S. households with vehicles could potentially use current plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and 22% could use battery electric vehicles (BEVs) with a 60-mile range. The study identifies charging access as the primary barrier to EV adoption, particularly for those in multi-unit dwellings. Public sentiment is generally positive, with 65% of respondents viewing EVs as essential for reducing oil use and global warming, and 60% considering an EV purchase.

The fact sheet highlights the extreme inefficiency of beef production compared to other proteins and the carbon emissions resulting from palm oil expansion and natural forest harvesting. It notes that a global 'nutrition transition' toward animal products is driving land waste and health risks, and suggests policies to reduce beef consumption, protect peat soils, and utilize native tree plantations for wood products.

The document describes how hybrid vehicles combine internal combustion engines with electric motors and batteries to improve fuel efficiency and reduce pollution. It details specific features such as idle-off, regenerative braking, power assist, and electric-only drive, while contrasting plug-in hybrids with battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

The report details a multi-stakeholder forum focused on transitioning West Virginia from a coal-dependent economy to a diversified one. It identifies key assets such as natural gas, tourism, and a strong workforce, while highlighting the need for state-level leadership and policies like the proposed West Virginia Future Fund. The document emphasizes the role of innovation, STEM education, and energy efficiency in creating sustainable, high-quality jobs.

The report identifies systemic waste in global land use, highlighting beef production as the most inefficient sector in terms of land, biomass, and emissions. It argues that the 'nutrition transition' toward animal products is a primary driver of land demand rather than population growth. Through GTAP modeling, the authors demonstrate that shifting diets from beef to chicken could significantly reduce pastureland and cropland needs, freeing land for reforestation and sustainable bioenergy. The report recommends carbon pricing on land-based products, holistic land use planning, and a move away from inflexible biofuel mandates to achieve a more climate-friendly and less wasteful planet.

The report examines the U.S. Nuclear Posture Review (NPR) process, finding that the Obama administration ignored requests from Japan's elected leadership for a 'sole purpose' nuclear declaration. Instead, the U.S. accommodated a small group of Japanese bureaucrats by maintaining 'tailored' nuclear options, such as dual-capable aircraft, which the author argues contradicts President Obama's Prague commitments and fails to address the actual security concerns of the Japanese public.

The U.S. electricity sector is shifting from coal to natural gas, with natural gas projected to account for nearly two-thirds of electricity by 2050 if current trends continue. However, this transition risks generating up to three times the carbon emissions recommended by the National Research Council (NRC) to limit climate change. While natural gas provides near-term public health benefits and supports grid reliability for variable renewables, it remains a fossil fuel that emits carbon dioxide and leaks methane. To meet the NRC's carbon budget, the U.S. must increase the share of renewable energy in the power supply to 25 percent by 2025 and 80 percent by 2050.

The document advocates for the transition from food-based biofuels to cellulosic biofuels, which are derived from energy crops, agricultural residues, waste, and forest materials. It estimates that the US could sustainably produce up to 40 billion gallons of cellulosic biofuel annually by 2035, potentially reducing oil use by 1.5 million barrels per day and cutting global warming emissions by 164 million metric tons per year.

The document highlights the economic and environmental advantages of electric vehicles (EVs) over gasoline-powered cars, noting that fuel savings can offset higher purchase prices and that EVs produce fewer global warming emissions regardless of the electricity grid's composition. It positions EVs as a central pillar of the 'Half the Oil' plan to reduce U.S. oil dependency through efficiency, biofuels, and advanced vehicle technology.

This fact sheet outlines seven major nuclear accidents occurring between 1957 and 2011, including the Fukushima Dai-ichi, Chernobyl, and Three Mile Island disasters. It describes the technical failures, human errors, and environmental impacts associated with each event, ranging from partial fuel meltdowns to catastrophic explosions and large-scale radioactive releases.

The report examines the risks associated with unconventional oil and gas development, specifically hydraulic fracturing, in the United States. It identifies significant threats to groundwater and surface water quality, air pollution, and induced seismic activity from wastewater injection. The authors highlight how corporate and political interference—including 'trade secret' exemptions and non-disclosure agreements—hampers scientific research and public knowledge. It critiques the 'patchwork' of state laws and federal loopholes, such as the 'Halliburton loophole,' and recommends mandatory baseline monitoring, full chemical disclosure, and the closing of federal regulatory gaps to protect public health and the environment.

The report argues that the current U.S. agricultural landscape is dominated by corn and soybeans due to federal subsidies, which contradicts national nutritional goals. Using economic modeling, the authors find that aligning production with healthy dietary guidelines would significantly increase fruit and vegetable acreage while reducing cereal grain production. Such a transition would likely improve public health, reduce environmental degradation from monocropping and livestock operations, and create new economic opportunities for farmers, particularly in the Midwest.