Bill > HR8363

This bill, titled the "Youth Climate Leadership Act of 2026," establishes Youth Advisory Councils within five federal agencies—the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of the Interior, Department of Energy, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Commerce—to provide recommendations on environmental issues affecting youth communities. These councils will consist of 15 to 25 members aged 16 to 29, with a strong emphasis on geographic diversity and representation from disadvantaged communities, which are defined as communities identified by initiatives like Justice40 and the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool. The councils will research and report on environmental justice, climate change mitigation and resilience, and pollution reduction, with a focus on helping disadvantaged communities address environmental issues. Each council will have a designated Federal Officer, and their meetings will generally be open to the public, with opportunities for public participation. The bill authorizes $250,000 annually for each of the five agencies from fiscal years 2027 through 2037 to carry out these provisions.