Council Introduces Bill 26-66 to Establish Youth Climate Council in District
September 25, 2025 | Committee on Transportation and the Environment, Committees, Legislative, District of Columbia
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Young people in the District of Columbia are set to gain a significant voice in climate policy with the introduction of Bill 26-66, which establishes a Youth Climate Council (YCC). This initiative aims to empower youth to actively participate in shaping the district's environmental policies, addressing climate change, and promoting sustainability.
The YCC will consist of 17 members, including 14 high school students from various educational institutions in the district and three young adults aged 18 to 21. The council will advise the mayor, the council, and the Department of Energy and Environment on climate-related issues and will have the authority to propose initiatives and publish findings. Importantly, the council will also have the opportunity to present its recommendations to the committee annually.
This legislation was developed with direct input from young people, youth leaders, and nonprofit organizations, highlighting the desire for youth to influence policies that will affect their futures. The committee emphasized the importance of inclusivity, ensuring that the YCC reflects the district's diversity, particularly voices from disadvantaged communities most impacted by environmental issues.
To support the council's effectiveness, members will receive training on the district's climate policies and a modest stipend to encourage participation from all backgrounds. This provision is seen as essential for the council's success, as noted in the council's equity impact assessment.
The bill's passage would mark a transformative step in intergenerational leadership, allowing youth to hold decision-makers accountable and contribute innovative solutions to the climate crisis. If approved by the full council, swift action will be taken to appoint members and provide necessary resources, ensuring that young advocates are at the forefront of the district's environmental efforts. This initiative sends a clear message: young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are vital contributors to today's climate action.
The YCC will consist of 17 members, including 14 high school students from various educational institutions in the district and three young adults aged 18 to 21. The council will advise the mayor, the council, and the Department of Energy and Environment on climate-related issues and will have the authority to propose initiatives and publish findings. Importantly, the council will also have the opportunity to present its recommendations to the committee annually.
This legislation was developed with direct input from young people, youth leaders, and nonprofit organizations, highlighting the desire for youth to influence policies that will affect their futures. The committee emphasized the importance of inclusivity, ensuring that the YCC reflects the district's diversity, particularly voices from disadvantaged communities most impacted by environmental issues.
To support the council's effectiveness, members will receive training on the district's climate policies and a modest stipend to encourage participation from all backgrounds. This provision is seen as essential for the council's success, as noted in the council's equity impact assessment.
The bill's passage would mark a transformative step in intergenerational leadership, allowing youth to hold decision-makers accountable and contribute innovative solutions to the climate crisis. If approved by the full council, swift action will be taken to appoint members and provide necessary resources, ensuring that young advocates are at the forefront of the district's environmental efforts. This initiative sends a clear message: young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are vital contributors to today's climate action.
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