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As Trump’s EPA silences youth voices, California launches new Environmental Youth Council to shape our climate future

Image of mountain with blue overlay. Text Reads: California Launches New Environmental Youth Council to shape our climate future.

SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) is now accepting applications for the California Environmental Youth Advisory Council (Youth Council), a new statewide leadership opportunity for young people ages 14-20 who want to help shape California’s environmental future.

“Young people everywhere will inherit the environmental legacy we build today,” said Yana Garcia, California Secretary for Environmental Protection. “That’s why, at CalEPA, we believe young people should get a say in the decisions we make, and that their diverse perspectives should be heard and honored.”

Applications are open now through September 21.

Read the Press Release (8/13/26)

State Launches a New Feature to CalHeatScore to Make Extreme Heat Info Accessible to More Californians

Map of California with different areas in various shades of orange to maroon

SACRAMENTO – With summer around the corner and in the wake of a record-setting March 2026 heatwave, California is announcing a new feature to integrate California Communities Extreme Heat Scoring System (CalHeatScore) data into a wide range of applications to help Californians stay safer during extreme heat. CalHeatScore, released last year, is a cutting-edge tool to forecast and rank the risk hot weather poses to public health and connect Californians with available resources to stay safe during extreme heat events. Read the press release. (5/21/26)

Secretary for Environmental Protection statement on the passing of Senator Byron Sher

Black and White image of Byron Sher. Text Reads Byron Sher 1928 - 2026

SACRAMENTO – Secretary for Environmental Protection Yana Garcia issued the following statement today on the passing of professor, legislator, advocate and environmental fighter, Sen. Byron Sher.

“While humble by nature, Sen. Sher was a towering environmental figure, authoring landmark laws including the California Clean Air Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act. He was the first California lawmaker to use the words “global warming” in legislation. His legacy includes protecting the air we breathe, the water we drink and the natural resources we all cherish. He will be deeply missed.” Read the press release. (9/15/26)