Why it matters: The Union of Concerned Scientists is expanding its lobbying strategy by hiring Carpi & Clay Inc., marking a shift toward specialized transportation and infrastructure expertise. This move represents UCS’s first partnership with the firm and signals a more targeted approach to federal funding and transportation policy — areas where climate advocacy increasingly intersects with infrastructure decisions.
By the numbers: UCS has been lobbying since 2002, typically spending $10,000 to $240,000 annually on lobbying efforts. The organization has primarily relied on in-house lobbyists but has worked with external firms including Downey McGrath Group Inc., ETKA Consulting, and most recently AnnDyl Policy Group LLC in 2021. Carpi & Clay Inc. has generated $1.9 million in lobbying revenue over the past five years, with $685,000 in 2024 alone. The new registration adds Channon Clements Hanna to UCS’s lobbying team.
The agenda: UCS is specifically lobbying on Transportation (TRA) and Budget/Appropriations (BUD) issues. While the registration doesn’t identify specific legislation, these issue areas align with current congressional activity on climate and infrastructure. UCS has historically lobbied on science and technology, environmental policy, energy and nuclear issues, and sustainable agriculture.
Between the lines: The timing coincides with active congressional debates over climate policy and transportation funding. Congress is considering multiple bills relevant to UCS’s mission, including the Agriculture Resilience Act of 2025 and the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Act. Hanna brings direct experience from the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, providing insider knowledge of transportation policy processes. Her background representing transit authorities and municipalities on federal funding issues could prove valuable as Congress debates infrastructure appropriations and climate-friendly transportation initiatives.
The bottom line: UCS is strategically positioning itself within the transportation and appropriations policy space by leveraging Carpi & Clay’s specialized expertise in public sector advocacy. This focused approach suggests the organization recognizes that climate policy increasingly depends on securing federal funding for sustainable infrastructure and transportation solutions.
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