The Representative Hugh McKean Colorado Youth Advisory Council Review Committee has introduced legislation to enhance youth involvement in environmental justice and promote clean energy adoption in schools. Key provisions of the bill include:
Environmental Justice Advisory Board Composition:
Replaces one voting member with a youth aged 14 to 21.
Adds one nonvoting youth member.
Aims to incorporate youth perspectives in addressing environmental impacts on disproportionately affected communities.
Development of Clean Energy Best Practices for Schools:
Mandates the Colorado Energy Office to create and publish best practices for adopting and financing clean energy resources in schools by December 31, 2025.
Requires periodic updates to these best practices to reflect evolving technologies and funding opportunities.
Seeks to guide schools in implementing sustainable energy solutions effectively.
This legislative effort underscores Colorado's commitment to engaging youth in environmental decision-making and supporting educational institutions in transitioning to clean energy.
Summary
Representative Hugh McKean Colorado Youth Advisory Council Review Committee. The environmental justice advisory board in the department of public health and environment (advisory board) advises the environmental justice ombudsperson, develops recommendations related to adverse environmental effects on disproportionately impacted communities, and supports the implementation of a grant program to finance environmental mitigation projects. Section 1 of the bill replaces one voting member of the advisory board with a youth voting member who is between 14 and 21 years of age and adds one youth nonvoting member to the advisory board. Section 2 requires the Colorado energy office (office), on or
before December 31, 2025, to develop and post on its website best practices for the adoption and financing of clean energy resources in schools. The office is required to periodically update the best practices and post the updates on its website.
