Newsom Appoints 14 to State's First Youth Environment Council
The California Environmental Protection Agency created the one-year pilot council to advise on climate, air, water, waste and community health.
Updated on Nov. 14, 2026 in Youth
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Governor Gavin Newsom appointed 14 Californians ages 14 to 20 to the state's first Environmental Youth Advisory Council, selected from more than 300 applicants statewide. Abby Costello of San Diego County is among the appointees.
Why it matters
The council gives young Californians a formal channel to advise state environmental officials on issues that will shape their futures. Its pilot structure could expand the program to up to 20 members in later years.
The 14 appointees, all ages 14 to 20, were chosen from more than 300 applicants across California. The council's recommendations will cover climate change, air quality, clean water, waste management and community health, and how future membership will expand has not been specified.
The players
Gavin Newsom
Gavin Newsom is the Governor of California who appointed the council members.
California Environmental Protection Agency
The California Environmental Protection Agency is the state agency that created the Environmental Youth Advisory Council.
The details
The council will meet virtually throughout the year and hold an annual in-person meeting with state environmental officials. It will provide recommendations on climate change, air quality, clean water, waste management and community health during its one-year pilot.
Timeline
The council's first official meeting is scheduled for December 2026.
The one-year pilot period of council operation runs throughout 2027.
The council will transition to two-year terms beginning in fall 2027.
Youth Voice
The council extends the California Environmental Protection Agency's advisory role by creating a formal pathway for teenagers and young adults to influence state environmental policy on climate, air, water and waste.
Young Californians interested in environmental issues now have a state-sanctioned seat at the table for recommendations on air quality, clean water and waste management. Families in San Diego County and across the state will see youth-driven ideas on community health reach state officials.
The takeaway
Young people who care about clean air, water and climate can watch for future council application cycles and bring local concerns to their county environmental offices. Early engagement at the community level can shape who is considered for seats on future panels.
What happens next
The council's first official meeting is scheduled for December 2026, and its membership will transition to two-year terms beginning in fall 2027.
Further reading
Explore more youth news and features on how young people are shaping policy and culture across California.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ABC 10 News San Diego KGTV.
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Should teenagers and young adults have a formal voice in state environmental policy?
