USEPA photo by Eric Vance
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has appointed Rausser College of Natural Resources alum Kristy Drutman, BS ’17 Society and Environment, to the National Environmental Youth Advisory Council.
Announced last week by EPA Administrator Michael Regan, the newly formed federal advisory committee will provide independent policy advice and recommendations to Agency leaders on how to increase the effectiveness of the EPA’s efforts to address a range of environmental issues impacting youth. The EPA received over 1,000 applications for the Council, which is the first advisory group comprised entirely of people between the ages of 16 and 29.
“Young people have been at the forefront of every movement for political and social change in American history, and the environmental movement is no different,” Regan said in a statement. “Today we are cementing seats for young leaders at EPA’s table as we tackle the greatest environmental challenges of our time.”
Drutman, also known as “Browngirl Green,” is a speaker, consultant, media producer, and environmental educator passionate about working at the intersections between media, diversity, and environmentalism. Her content and workshops have helped educate thousands of people across the globe about modern-day environmental issues. She is also the co-founder of the Green Jobs Board, a climate tech start-up founded in 2022 that seeks to bridge the equity and inclusion gap within the green economy through conversations, resources, and pathways to bring more diverse talent into the environmental field.
The 16-member Council will meet at least twice a year, with the first meeting of the council to be scheduled next year. Visit the EPA website to learn more about the Council.