S. 4376: Youth Climate Leadership Act of 2026

The Youth Climate Leadership Act of 2026 aims to establish Youth Advisory Councils within several federal agencies to provide insights and recommendations on environmental issues particularly affecting youth. The key aspects of the bill include:

Establishment of Youth Advisory Councils

Each specified agency head, including those from the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of the Interior, Department of Energy, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Commerce, is required to create a Youth Advisory Council. The purpose of these councils is to:

• Offer recommendations on governmental approaches to environmental concerns that impact youth.
• Support programs aimed at helping disadvantaged communities tackle their specific environmental challenges.
• Evaluate measures to assess the effects of climate change and other environmental hazards on youth.
• Engage in research, write reports, and provide recommendations focused on environmental justice, pollution reduction, and climate change resilience.

Composition of the Councils

The council will consist of 15 to 25 members who are knowledgeable about environmental issues. Important points regarding membership include:

• Members must be between 16 and 29 years old at the time of appointment.
• The councils should include individuals from diverse geographic locations across the U.S.
• At least 50% of council members must come from, live in, or work in disadvantaged communities.
• Members will be selected to ensure a mix of backgrounds, including business, academia, government, and public interest groups.

Meetings and Administration

The Youth Advisory Councils will meet at least annually, with public access to these meetings. Key points about their operation include:

• Meetings are open to public attendance unless specified otherwise by the agency head.
• Members will receive an educational curriculum about the agency's structure and activities.
• A designated Federal officer from the agency will oversee the council's operations.
• Councils may establish subcommittees as necessary.

Funding

The bill authorizes funding of $250,000 annually for each agency involved, from fiscal years 2027 through 2037. This funding is earmarked for the operation and support of the Youth Advisory Councils.

Requirements for Reporting

Each council is mandated to submit an annual report detailing their recommendations to the respective agency head.

Exemptions

The councils are exempt from certain regulations typically governing federal advisory committees, specifically Section 1013 of title 5, United States Code.

Relevant Companies

None found.