EPA launches first youth council to share views on climate, communities
2023 ENVIROBRF 0101
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By Meera Gajjar
WESTLAW TODAY Environment Briefing
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June 23, 2023
(June 23, 2023) - Young Americans now have a formal role in U.S. Environmental Protection Agency efforts with the creation of the first National Environmental Youth Advisory Council.
Recruitment for the 16-person committee has officially begun, the agency announced in a June 22 statement, noting that members must be between 16 and 29 years old to participate. Applications are due Aug. 22.
The council will advise EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan on how climate change and other environmental issues are affecting youth communities, according to the statement.
In keeping with the Biden administration's focus on environmental justice, at least 50% of council members will have ties to disadvantaged communities, as defined by the federal Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool, the agency says.
"We can't tackle the environmental challenges of our time without input from our younger communities, who've long been at the forefront of social movements," Regan said.
Leading litigation
Young people have also been at the forefront of litigation targeting government policies for exacerbating climate change.
In 2015, a group of 21 youths sued the federal government in the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon, alleging continued federal support for fossil fuel development violated their constitutional rights and the public trust doctrine. Juliana v. United States, No. 15-cv-1517 (D. Or.).
The District Court recently revived the suit by allowing the plaintiffs to file an amended complaint, but the government has again moved for dismissal.
Young plaintiffs have brought similar claims against state governments, and a Montana court just finished hearing arguments in the first U.S. trial in a youth-driven climate suit. Held v. Montana, No. CDV-2020-307 (Mont Dist. Ct.).
Additionally, a youth action against Hawaii's transportation department is set to go to trial in September. Navahine F. v. Department of Transportation, No. 1CCV-631 (Haw. Cir. Ct.).
Several state courts have dismissed the climate suits, concluding that the solutions young people seek are more suited to the political process than legal recourse.
By Meera Gajjar
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