California Launches First Environmental Youth Advisory Council, Naming 14 Members Ages 14 to 20
California Governor Gavin Newsom, attending the COP31 United Nations climate conference in Antalya, Türkiye, announced on November 12 that California's first Environmental Youth Advisory Council has been established, naming its inaugural cohort of 14 members, ages 14 to 20, from across the state, who will offer recommendations on the state's environmental policies and programs.
The 14 members were selected by the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) from a highly competitive pool of more than 300 applicants. Listed by county, they are Arsenia Briones of San Joaquin County, Abby Costello of San Diego County, Lauren Ferran of Alameda County, Magnus Figueroa of Sonoma County, Max Gomez of San Bernardino County, Christopher Kricorian of Ventura County, Bettina Lee of San Bernardino County, Nicholas Munkhbaatar of Sacramento County, Neha Prabhakar of Stanislaus County, Ceasar Cano Ramos of Fresno County, Sofia Reyes of Orange County, Isabelle Shapiro of Los Angeles County, Amari Sims of Santa Clara County and Precious Zaraspe of Los Angeles County.
Newsom said young people have a stake in the decisions made today about the planet, public health and the well-being of communities, that their perspectives need to be heard, and that the council gives 14 young Californians an opportunity to serve their communities and help build a safer, more sustainable future. California Secretary for Environmental Protection Yana Garcia said young people everywhere will inherit the environmental legacy built today, and that the council members' lived experiences and diverse perspectives are vital to ensuring the state's environmental policies protect the most vulnerable communities and pave the way for a more resilient future.
According to the Governor's Office, CalEPA established the council to strengthen communication and collaboration between California's young people and the agency and its boards, departments and offices. Members will share youth perspectives on climate change, air quality, clean water and waste management, advance environmental justice and engage their peers. The council's first official meeting will take place in December, with periodic virtual meetings throughout the year and an annual in-person meeting. After the initial one-year pilot term, the program is scheduled to transition to full two-year council terms starting in fall 2027, with up to 20 members. (Source: Office of the Governor of California)
Source: Office of the Governor of California
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：加州州议会大厦（Sacramento），加州州级固定图库。州长办公室11月12日公布加州首届环境青年顾问委员会名单。 / Photo: The California State Capitol in Sacramento, from the California state asset pack. The Governor's Office announced the first California Environmental Youth Advisory Council on November 12.
