Bill > S4376

This bill, known as the Youth Climate Leadership Act of 2026, establishes Youth Advisory Councils within five federal agencies—the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of the Interior, Department of Energy, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Commerce—to provide recommendations on environmental issues affecting young people. These councils will consist of 15 to 25 members between the ages of 16 and 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 advise on programs for disadvantaged communities, measures to track environmental harms affecting youth, and research and recommendations concerning environmental justice, climate change mitigation and resilience, and pollution reduction. Environmental justice is defined as fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people in environmental decision-making, ensuring protection from disproportionate environmental burdens and equitable access to a healthy environment. Each council will have a designated Federal officer from the agency to oversee its operations, and members will serve two-year terms. The bill also authorizes $250,000 annually for each of the five agencies from fiscal years 2027 through 2037 to implement these provisions.