What does Preamble of Youth Climate Leadership Act of 2026 do?

This bill aims to establish youth advisory councils. These councils will provide recommendations to several federal departments. The recommendations will focus on environmental issues impacting youth communities. The departments receiving recommendations include the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of the Interior, Department of Energy, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Commerce.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Youth Climate Leadership Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Youth Climate Leadership Act of 2026.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Youth Climate Leadership Act of 2026 do?

This section defines terms used within the Act. A 'covered agency head' is defined as the heads of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Interior, Energy, Agriculture, and Commerce departments. A 'designated federal officer' refers to the officer appointed for a Youth Advisory Council under section 3(b)(6). A 'disadvantaged community' is identified by the Justice40 Initiative and the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool. The term 'environmental justice' is defined as ensuring just treatment and meaningful involvement in Federal activities affecting human health and the environment. Environmental justice aims to protect people from disproportionate adverse effects and ensure equitable access to a healthy environment. A 'Youth Advisory Council' is established by a covered agency head according to section 3(a).

What does YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCILS. of Youth Climate Leadership Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes Youth Advisory Councils within covered agencies to provide recommendations on environmental issues related to youth. Each council will consist of 15-25 members aged 16-29 with demonstrated expertise in environmental issues. Council members must represent diverse backgrounds, including business, academia, government, and non-profit organizations. At least 50% of council members must come from, reside in, or work in disadvantaged communities. Councils will meet at least annually and meetings are generally open to the public. The councils will submit annual reports to the covered agency head outlining their recommendations. Each covered agency head shall appoint a full-time employee to serve as the designated Federal officer for the applicable Youth Advisory Council.

What does AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. of Youth Climate Leadership Act of 2026 do?

This section authorizes appropriations totaling $250,000 annually for specified federal agencies. The Environmental Protection Agency, Department of the Interior, Department of Energy, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Commerce are included. These appropriations are authorized for fiscal years 2027 through 2037. The funds are designated for the purpose of carrying out this Act.

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Youth Climate Leadership Act of 2026

Last updated: 4/22/2026 · Introduced: 4/22/2026

Author: Edward Markey (D-MA)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes Youth Advisory Councils within five federal agencies (EPA, Interior, Energy, Agriculture, and Commerce) to provide recommendations on environmental issues affecting youth communities.
Each Youth Advisory Council will consist of 15-25 members aged 16-29, with at least half representing disadvantaged communities.
The bill authorizes $250,000 annually, from 2027 through 2037, to fund the operation of these advisory councils and related activities.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 3 more.

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