B 26-0066 Legislature · 26th Council Period (2025-2026)

Youth Advisory Council on Climate Change and Environmental Conservation Establishment Act of 2025

This bill establishes the Youth Advisory Council on Climate Change and Environmental Conservation in the District of Columbia. The council, composed of 17 members (9 appointed by the Mayor representing middle school, high school, and college students; 8 appointed by the Council Chairman representing each ward), will advise city agencies like the Department of Energy and Environment on climate policies. It directly affects District youth aged 11-24 who meet residency and climate engagement requirements, ensuring their input shapes environmental strategies. The council’s key role is to comment on relevant legislation, identify climate impacts on youth, and recommend improvements to environmental education and programs.

Issues: ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics: Climate Change

Bill status signed all 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2025

Committee Review

Sep 2025

Council Passage

Oct 2025

Signed into Law

Jan 2026

Introduced Jan 17, 2025 Signed Jan 23, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons

What changed between versions

Engrossment → Enrollment · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was finalized from its engrossed stage to its enrolled stage, resulting in minor formatting adjustments and a significant expansion of compensation options. The most important change is that council members can now choose between a monetary stipend or volunteer service hours, and they may also receive academic credit for their service. Additionally, the text was updated to clarify that Ward Councilmembers, rather than the Council as a whole, appoint the student representatives.

FISCAL

Expanded compensation options to allow members to choose between a $1,000 stipend or volunteer service hours, and added the option to receive academic credit.

REQUIREMENT

Added a new requirement for the Department of Energy and Environment to provide mandatory training on government processes and environmental policy within 60 days of a member's start date.

TECHNICAL

Corrected a reference to clarify that Ward Councilmembers appoint the student representatives, rather than the Council as a whole.

Adjusted formatting and punctuation throughout the document to finalize the official text.

Floor votes · Council Oct 21, 2025

How they voted

13–0

Passed

Total votes 13

Oct 21, 2025

D Democratic11

11 Yea

100% Yea

I Independent2

2 Yea

100% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Oct 21, 2025

Council · Passed

Council Vote: pass (13-0)

council

Sep 25, 2025

Legislature · Passed

Committee Mark-up of B26-0066 by the Transportation and the Environment Committee

legislature

Feb 4, 2025

Committee

Referred to Committee on Transportation and the Environment

legislature

Jan 17, 2025

Introduced

B26-0066 Introduced by Councilmember Allen at Office of the Secretary

legislature

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors