Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Reposted by Union of Concerned Scientists

Stephen Young @atomicwonk.bsky.social · 55m

"Humanity cannot coexist with nuclear weapons forever."

- critical takeaway from my @ucs.org colleague Jenn Knox's must-read piece "Five Things to Know Before Watching A House of Dynamite," the @netflix.com movie premiering in theater's tomorrow:
blog.ucs.org/jknox/five-t...

Five Things to Know Before Watching A House of Dynamite

The new film A House of Dynamite depicts what happens when a nuclear missile is launched at the United States. The real-world possibility is just as scary.

blog.ucs.org

1 6 12

Union of Concerned Scientists @ucs.org · 4h

¿Te perdiste la primera parte de El Crimen del Siglo? 🎧🔥Escúchala ya antes de sumergirte en el segundo episodio.

El crimen del siglo

UCS tiene un nuevo informe que revela, con pruebas documentadas, lo que podría llamarse… el crimen del siglo.

es.ucs.org

1

Union of Concerned Scientists @ucs.org · 4h

¿Recuerdas la primera vez vez que escuchaste que el planeta se está calentando por la acción humana? ¿O recién te estás enterando? Las compañías de combustibles fósiles lo supieron hace 70 años… e hicieron lo posible para evitar que tú lo supieras.

Conoce más en la 2da parte de nuestro podcast:

El crimen del siglo-2ª parte

Un explosivo informe de UCS llamado "Décadas de engaños" revela pruebas documentadas de lo que podría llamarse…el crimen del siglo.

es.ucs.org

1 2

Union of Concerned Scientists @ucs.org · 5h

The book argues that "in many situations, government should simply get out of the way. Meanwhile, the warping, smothering influence of corporate money and power lurks on every page unacknowledged, like a monster Klein and Thompson refuse to see." Read UCS's David Watkins' take on #Abundance.

An Abundant Blindspot

The warping, smothering influence of corporate money and power lurks on every page unacknowledged, a monster Klein and Thompson refuse to see.

blog.ucs.org

2 4 21

Union of Concerned Scientists @ucs.org · 6h

“If you’re trying to roll back drinking water standards, you probably don’t want to release information that makes the case for why those standards are necessary.”—UCS's @dminovi.bsky.social

ProPublica @propublica.org · 8h

NEW: PFNA can be found in drinking water systems that serve about 26 million people.

The EPA’s toxicity report on the forever chemical has sat in limbo for months, raising concerns that the Trump administration might change it or not release it at all.

Scientists Completed a Toxicity Report on This Forever Chemical. The EPA Hasn’t Released It.

The report was completed in mid-April, scientists familiar with the document told ProPublica, but the Trump administration has yet to release it.

www.propublica.org

10 23

Union of Concerned Scientists @ucs.org · 1d

Wondering how the government shutdown will affect pending federal rulemakings and enforcement? This resource from @sensiblesafeguards.bsky.social has some answers:

Government Shutdown Memo: Impact on Pending Rulemakings and Enforcement

Government Shutdown Memo: Impact on Pending Rulemakings and Enforcement October 6, 2025 | Download PDF The current federal government shutdown began at midnight September 30, 2025. This is the first s...

sensiblesafeguards.org

5 10

Union of Concerned Scientists @ucs.org · 1d

Mass mobilizations matter. They change the narrative. Build solidarity across society. Show that resistance is powerful, growing & everywhere. And they spread courage & inspire others to push back against the Trump admin's authoritarian actions. On Oct 18, be part of the largest US mobilization yet:

No Kings

As the president escalates his authoritarian power grab, the NO KINGS non-violent movement continues to rise stronger. We are united once again to remind the world: America has No Kings and the power belongs to the people.

nokings.org

3 29 50

Union of Concerned Scientists @ucs.org · 1d

"If we planted fewer acres of corn, farmers could earn a fair return without taxpayer bailouts, while pollution would drop dramatically." Read the blog by Kate Anderson, director of UCS's Food & Environment Program.

Why Planting Too Much Corn Hurts Farmers—and the Environment

US agriculture encourages farmers to plant too much corn, which drives prices down and increases pollution that harms our water and climate.

blog.ucs.org

16 41

Union of Concerned Scientists @ucs.org · 1d

We couldn't agree more and have said it since the beginning: RFK Jr. is unfit to lead HHS.

What Happens When Facts Don't Matter? We're About to Find Out

Political interference at the CDC reaches new lows: RFK, Jr., must go.

blog.ucs.org

6 13

Union of Concerned Scientists @ucs.org · 1d

"Secretary Kennedy is entitled to his views. But he is not entitled to put people’s health at risk. He has rejected science, misled the public and compromised the health of Americans. The nation deserves a health and human services secretary who is committed to scientific integrity…”

Opinion | Six surgeons general: It’s our duty to warn the nation about RFK Jr.

We took an oath to declare dangers when we found them. We’re doing that again today.

wapo.st

4 38 100

Reposted by Union of Concerned Scientists

Tosin Fadeyi @tosinfadeyi.bsky.social · 2d

Applications for this year's minigrants are open! Reach out to me with any questions :)

Union of Concerned Scientists @ucs.org · 2d

🔬✨Applications are open! The Science for Public Good Fund offers up to $1500 to support community-driven science advocacy projects. From workshops to local campaigns, you can help spark change.

🔗 Apply here now: act.ucsusa.org/4nCzPhl

6 10

Reposted by Union of Concerned Scientists

Inside Climate News @insideclimatenews.org · 3d

The Trump administration wasted no time in tapping individuals with ties to fossil fuel industries and right-wing think tanks funded by oil tycoons for key environmental and energy policy positions, according to a new report.

New Report Examines Fossil Fuel Ties of Dozens of Trump Administration Hires - Inside Climate News

Public Citizen and the Revolving Door Project found 42 former fossil fuel industry employees among nominees and appointees to agencies charged with enforcing energy and environmental policy.

insideclimatenews.org

1 33 47

Union of Concerned Scientists @ucs.org · 2d

Thank you @governor.ca.gov for signing a historic climate and affordability package! We’re running ads in @politico.com and @sfchronicle.com commending your leadership for cutting pollution and putting billions back into ratepayers’ pockets.

A full-page newspaper ad with a blue and orange gradient background showing power lines at sunset. Large yellow text at the top reads: “THANK YOU.” Below it says, “Governor Newsom, ProTem McGuire, Speaker Rivas, Senator Becker, and Assemblymembers Petrie-Norris and Irwin for” followed by three bullet points with yellow checkmarks: “Lowering electricity bills,” “Advancing clean, reliable & affordable energy,” and “Cutting pollution.” At the bottom, it says, “Paid for by Union of Concerned Scientists,” with logos of supporting organizations including Union of Concerned Scientists, Climate Action Campaign, TURN, Net-Zero California, NRDC Action Fund, EDF Action, and NextGen California.

1 21 59

Union of Concerned Scientists @ucs.org · 2d

🔬✨Applications are open! The Science for Public Good Fund offers up to $1500 to support community-driven science advocacy projects. From workshops to local campaigns, you can help spark change.

🔗 Apply here now: act.ucsusa.org/4nCzPhl

1 15 14

Union of Concerned Scientists @ucs.org · 2d

Understanding the voting process is crucial for making decisions that reflect your values. This #NationalVoterEducationWeek, research candidates and issues thoroughly to ensure your vote aligns with what matters most to you at➡️ NationalVoterEducationWeek.org

A colorful graphic for National Voter Education Week. The headline reads: “Cast your ballot with confidence!” followed by a checklist with five items:
☑️ Register to vote
☑️ Get to know your ballot
☑️ Make a plan to vote
☑️ Understand the process
☑️ Share with friends & family
At the bottom, there’s a red banner with the website NationalVoterEducationWeek.org. The background fades from blue to purple to pink.

12 17

Union of Concerned Scientists @ucs.org · 3d

A crucial step toward more affordable utility bills is on @gavinnewsom.bsky.social’s desk. #CALeg passed AB 1167 and SB 24 to ensure utility customer dollars go towards safe and reliable energy – not political spending and lobbying. These bills deserve the Gov's signature.

Berman and McNerney Announce Joint Effort to Protect CA Ratepayers from Utilities’ Abuses | Official Website - Assemblymember Marc Berman Representing the 23rd California Assembly District

SACRAMENTO, CA – California state Senator Jerry McNerney (D-Pleasanton) and Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park) announced a joint legislative package today to protect California ratepayers from ...

a23.asmdc.org

6 19

Union of Concerned Scientists @ucs.org · 3d

Groundwater depletion from corporate agribusiness is harming low-income farmworker communities, small farms, and ecosystems. Our new resources explore how land transitions can advance equity, resilience, and stronger economies, with sustainable agriculture as a key solution.

Guiding California's Land Transitions Toward Justice and Equity

Analyses of the current challenges and solutions in California's cropland transition.

www.ucs.org

1 24 50

Union of Concerned Scientists @ucs.org · 3d

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin recently proposed a rule that would eliminate requirements for measuring and reporting carbon emissions for most US industries, including fossil fuel producers and refiners. UCS’s Laura Peterson explains why this proposal could backfire, harming both people and business.

Trump Administration Attempt to Eliminate Carbon Emissions Reporting Could Backfire

A look at the global business and policy landscape, however, indicates that this effort may hurt not just public health and safety, but the very companies the proposal is supposed to help.

blog.ucs.org

1 15 33

Union of Concerned Scientists @ucs.org · 4d

"It’s encouraging to find that given enough time, persistence, and patience, successful restoration projects can become the norm.” UCS fellow Derrick Z. Jackson brings us much-needed hope in his new piece on the recovery of puffins off the coast of Maine.

Protecting Puffins in Maine Is an Emotional Commitment

The crew at Seal Island have something to say.

blog.ucs.org

1 25 88

Union of Concerned Scientists @ucs.org · 5d

"Authoritarianism makes us feel less safe in our neighborhoods, it makes our bills harder to pay, our health care harder to access, and stifles our ability to thrive and support our families and communities. It’s exhausting and it’s not normal."

Read @dminovi.bsky.social compelling blog:

Science and Democracy under Siege: a Day in My Life

Even for those of us living in relative safety, the administration's policies are hurting us and our communities on a daily basis.

blog.ucs.org

1 20 45

Union of Concerned Scientists @ucs.org · 6d

“Not surprisingly, these scientists’ names and viewpoints were familiar from previous research by UCS and others, congressional testimony, and other public appearances.” Find out who authored the Trump administration’s sham climate report and uncover their ties to the #FossilFuel industry.

Who Wrote the Trump Administration’s Flawed Climate Report? Meet the Architects of Disinformation

Industry-backed actors create the illusion of legitimate debate, exploit uncertainty, and delay action.

blog.ucs.org

2 17 36

Union of Concerned Scientists @ucs.org · 7d

"These cuts will increase consumer costs, undermine grid reliability and deepen the nation’s overreliance on harmful fossil fuels ... hamstringing the nation’s capacity to lead on the technologies and jobs of the future." Read UCS Statement by Julie McNamara.

Trump Administration Yanks Billions in Funding for Cutting-Edge Clean Energy Projects

The Trump administration terminates $7.5 billion in DOE funding for 223 cutting-edge clean energy projects

www.ucs.org

1 14 17

Union of Concerned Scientists @ucs.org · 7d

"Against all odds, climate advocates and the California Legislature extended (and renamed) California’s landmark Cap-and-Trade Program, made electricity more affordable, got serious about a fast-and-fair fossil fuel phaseout, and made the state’s grid more reliable," writes @danielbarad.bsky.social.

The Big Winners in California? Science and Climate.

And affordability!

blog.ucs.org

2 60 190

Union of Concerned Scientists @ucs.org · 7d

At its recent military parade in Beijing celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Japanese defeat in WW II, China unveiled a set of new nuclear missiles, officially confirming for the first time that Beijing possesses a “nuclear triad” of air-, land-, and sea-based nuclear weapon delivery systems.

Could China’s New Nuclear Weapons Signal a New Era of Arms Control?

China's expansion of its nuclear arsenal may actually create an opportunity for the United States to reduce the risk of nuclear war.

blog.ucs.org

6 16

Union of Concerned Scientists @ucs.org · 7d

It’s time for all of Congress to step up and push back on the extreme actions of the Trump administration and pass a budget that delivers for the people and communities Congress is supposed to serve.

2 18