Last week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the formal establishment of the agency’s first-ever National Environmental Youth Advisory Council (NEYAC). The NEYAC will provide a critical perspective on how climate change and other environmental harms affect youth communities as well as independent recommendations on addressing a range of environmental issues.

EPA is soliciting applications for youth to fill 16 vacancies on the NEYAC. Selected applicants will contribute to a balance of perspectives, backgrounds, and experience of the council and will be appointed by EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. All members of NEYAC will be between the ages of 16 and 29. 

As part of the agency’s commitment to centering environmental justice communities, at least 50% of the overall membership of NEYAC will come from, reside primarily in, and/or do most of their work in disadvantaged communities as defined by the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST) as part of Justice40. 

“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,” said Regan. “This committee will help ensure that the voices and perspectives of our youth are included and valued in EPA’s decision-making as we continue to advance President Biden’s commitment to ensuring everyone in this country has access to clean air, safe water and healthy land, now and for generations to come.”

How to apply for NEYAC

NEYAC applications are due by August 22, 2023, at 11:59 pm ET. To apply, candidates must provide:

• Contact information 
• Resume or short biography or qualification essay 
• Statement of interest 
• Media project 

Visit the EPA NEYAC webpage for more information and to apply.

EPA will host two virtual application webinars (via Zoom) where the public can ask EPA staff questions live:  

• Friday, June 30, 2023, 3–4 pm ET. Register here
• Monday, August 7, 2023, Noon–1 pm ET. Register here