Every day we're reminded of just how costly our dependence on dirty fossil fuels has become: The ever-worsening oil spill in the gulf coast, the tragic loss of life at the Upper Big Branch coal mine, the destruction of a mile of the Great Barrier Reef by a Chinese coal tanker. We need an Energy Independence Day! In the wake of these catastrophes the Union of Concerned Scientists is stepping up efforts to reduce our nation's dependence on dirty fossil fuels and rapidly increase use of clean, secure sources of energy. How? I'm so glad you asked. Just keep on reading to see what we're doing, and more importantly, what you can do to help. —Karla

The Union of Concerned Scientists is the leading U.S. science-based nonprofit organization working for a healthy environment and a safer world. Founded in 1969, UCS is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and also has offices in Berkeley, Chicago and Washington, D.C. To subscribe or visit go to:  http://www.ucsusa.org