Gov. announced from COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, the first 14 members of California’s Environmental Youth Advisory Council, selected by the California Environmental Protection Agency to advise state environmental officials.

CalEPA said the inaugural cohort includes 14 young Californians, ages 14 to 20, chosen from more than 300 applicants to represent the state’s geographic and socioeconomic diversity.

The members 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.

CalEPA described the council as a forum for members to share ideas and make recommendations on climate change, air quality, clean water, waste management and environmental justice; the agency said members will learn from state officials, lead peer engagement and participate in periodic virtual meetings plus one scheduled annual in‑person meeting.

The first official meeting will take place in December as a one‑year pilot; CalEPA said the program is scheduled to move to full two‑year council terms starting in Fall 2027 with up to 20 council members.

Newsom said the council “gives 14 young Californians an opportunity to serve their communities and help build a safer, more sustainable future.” Secretary for Environmental Protection said the members’ “lived experiences and diverse perspectives” are “vital to ensuring our state’s environmental policies protect the most vulnerable communities and pave the way for a more resilient future.”

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Gavin Newsom

Governor · Democrat

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Yana Garcia

Secretary for Environmental Protection

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