| Dear UCS supporter, "We're going after...the Environmental Protection Agency." That's what Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) promised the billionaire Koch brothers and their allies in a leaked recording. And now he's gearing up to do just that.1 McConnell plans to push his agenda by attaching "riders" to must-pass spending bills—policies that could gut historic new EPA rules on carbon pollution and chip away at the agency's budget. In a recent interview, McConnell says he feels a "deep responsibility" to stop the EPA.2 This will be one of the toughest fights we've faced. UCS organizers are preparing to mobilize hundreds of thousands of people to defend science, the EPA, and these essential new carbon rules. Our analysts are ready to debunk the misinformation we know politicians and their allies will spread. The size, strength, and speed of our campaigns depend on you. Make a tax-deductible gift to defend science-based solutions to global warming in the weeks and months ahead. A lot of groups have a role to play in fighting global warming and carbon pollution. UCS's role is unique. We are an organization built by scientists and those like you who look to science first when faced with threats like sea level rise, catastrophic drought, and toxic pollution. We are the trusted experts on clean and renewable energy, for both our homes and our transportation. We work with politicians on both sides of the aisle—which will be critical in the new Congress. And you are the power and strength behind each of our campaigns. Together, we get results—like stronger fuel economy standards for cars and trucks and limits on tailpipe pollution, both secured within the last two years. But frankly, in next year's hostile political environment, it's going to be a lot tougher (and more important) to defend the EPA's efforts. These rules represent the most significant opportunity in years to combat global warming. And they threaten an industry with deep pockets and powerful friends in Washington. We've all worked too hard to get to where we are today. Don't let industry lobbyists and their allies in Congress undo all the gains we've made. Donate now. Mitch McConnell is by no means the only politician we have to worry about in the new Congress. Representative Nick Rahall (D-WV) is pushing legislation that would roll back all EPA rules on power plant pollution—essentially letting coal plants choke the skies with soot. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) likens the EPA's new rules to an act of "terrorism."3 Opponents of clean energy now wield more power in Washington than at any time since 2008. But they've got formidable obstacles ahead of them: you, me, and the millions like us. Nearly two-thirds of Americans now want the U.S. to set strong national goals to move away from old, dirty energy like oil and coal.4 That's no accident. UCS activists, experts, and coalition partners have worked tirelessly to educate the public about the threats and costs we face from man-made global warming. The tide is turning, as more and more Americans accept the science and look to political leaders to act. So the only way that McConnell, the Koch brothers, and their foot soldiers in Congress win is if the majority of Americans who are ready to fight global warming fail to act. To rally the new climate majority, we need UCS members to step up with generous support now. The truth is, the only disadvantage we face when compared to the people who defend dirty energy and deny climate science is resources. Pure and simple. We've got the science, the experts, and everyday people fighting for their futures and their families' health. And together we're making a difference. But with your extra generous support right now, we can do so much more. The new year is just around the corner. Please, help us start out strong.  | Sincerely,
Ken Kimmell
President
Union of Concerned Scientists |
P.S. As a UCS member, you should know you're well respected by leaders in the climate movement. Just recently, Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) said he "always follows UCS because they're always right." We appreciate that, and I can tell you—with your support—we always strive for accuracy and integrity in the defense of science. I'm proud of that, and hope you are too. 1. http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2014/10/24/244611_in-a-republican-takeover-which.html
2. http://www.kentucky.com/2014/11/06/3525224_mcconnell-reflects-after-reaching.html
3. http://rahall.house.gov/press-release/rahall-introduces-bill-stop-epa-carbon-rules; http://thehill.com/regulation/213514-lawmaker-coal-is-obamas-kryptonite
4. http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2014/06/18/obama-carbon-rule-backed-by-most-americans-wsjnbc-poll/ | 
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