Youth Climate Leadership Act of 2026

The Youth Climate Leadership Act of 2026 requires five federal agencies - the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Departments of the Interior, Energy, Agriculture, and Commerce - to establish a Youth Advisory Council. These councils, composed of individuals aged 16 to 29, will provide recommendations to their respective agency heads on environmental issues, climate change mitigation, and environmental justice, focusing on impacts to youth and disadvantaged communities. To ensure diverse perspectives, at least 50% of council members must come from or primarily reside in disadvantaged communities, with attention also paid to geographic diversity and varying backgrounds. The councils are required to meet at least annually, submit regular reports, and receive administrative support, with $250,000 authorized annually for each agency from fiscal years 2027 through 2037 to implement the Act.