As Trump's EPA silences youth voices, California launches new Environmental Youth Council to shape our climate future

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Aug 13, 2026

As Trump's EPA silences youth voices, California launches new Environmental Youth Council to shape our climate future

Applications now open at CalEPA.ca.gov/youthcouncil

What you need to know: While the Trump administration quietly disbanded the U.S. EPA's National Environmental Youth Advisory Council, California's first Environmental Youth Advisory Council is now accepting applications from Californians ages 14-20 to make an impact. Para leer este comunicado en español, haga clic aquí.

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) is now accepting applications for the California Environmental Youth Advisory Council (Youth Council), a new statewide leadership opportunity for young people ages 14-20 who want to help shape California's environmental future.

While Trump's Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) rejects science and quietly disbanded the federal National Environmental Youth Advisory Council, California is welcoming young leaders who will help shape and protect the environment they stand to inherit. California's Youth Council is open to young, passionate leaders from diverse backgrounds, communities, and experiences who are ready to bring fresh ideas to the table.

While Washington silences the very generation that will inherit this planet, California is giving young people a seat at the table. Donald Trump's dismantling of the National Environmental Youth Advisory Council is a profound step backward, but California will always move forward.

By establishing the CalEPA Youth Council, we are ensuring that young people can engage directly in climate action, serve California's communities, and have a say in the future of our environment.

Governor Gavin Newsom

"Young people everywhere will inherit the environmental legacy we build today," said Yana Garcia, California Secretary for the Environmental Protection Agency. "That's why, at CalEPA, we believe young people should get a say in the decisions we make, and that their diverse perspectives should be heard and honored."

California's youth are no strangers to the effects of wildfires, extreme heat, flooding, poor air quality, and other pollution. The Youth Council will help advance California's nation-leading environmental policies for the next generation.

Young people from both rural and urban backgrounds, tribal communities, and those whose voices have historically been underrepresented in environmental decision-making are encouraged to apply. No previous advocacy or leadership experience is required.

APPLY NOW

Building a framework for California's next generation of environmental leaders

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The mission of the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) is to restore, protect, and enhance the environment, to ensure public health, environmental quality, and economic vitality for all Californians.

Recognizing the need for robust youth engagement on environmental issues, CalEPA developed a new policy and launched the Youth Council to give the agency and its boards, departments, and office a clear framework for communicating and collaborating with California's youth.

Members of the Youth Council will have the opportunity to:
  • Share ideas directly with California environmental decision-makers and learn about how their work is done.
  • Help shape conversations about issues that matter to their generation, including climate action, clean air and water, and community health.
  • Build leadership skills through mentorship, networking, and hands-on learning.
  • Collaborate with other young people from across California who are passionate about creating positive change.
  • Make recommendations to inform state-level environmental policies and programs.

The application period is open from August 12 to September 21, 2026. Applicants will be required to submit an online application and one letter of recommendation.

For questions about the eligibility and application process, submit an email to YouthCouncil@calepa.ca.gov

Empowering young Californians to lead

Since the beginning of his administration, Governor Newsom has made investing in the next generation of leaders a priority by expanding opportunities for young people to lead, serve their communities, build careers, and help shape the decisions that will define their future.

Through youth commissions and advisory bodies — including the newly launched California Teen Tech Council, the California Youth Empowerment Commission, the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls Youth Advisory Council — young Californians are bringing their experiences and ideas directly to policymakers to help advance solutions on issues that matter to their lives.

California is also connecting young people to paid service and career pathways through the California Conservation Corps and the California Service Corps, including the California Climate Action Corps, College Corps, and Youth Service Corps. These programs put young Californians to work in their communities, provide hands-on training and valuable experience, build leadership and technical skills, and help participants develop the networks they need to launch their careers.

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