Darryl Young

Darryl Young was appointed director of the California Department of Conservation in November, 1999, by Governor Gray Davis. The Department of Conservation employs more than 600 people.

Mr. Young provides policy direction and management for programs important to the future of California’s environment, economy and public safety. The Department of Conservation preserves agricultural and open-space land, administers the state’s beverage container recycling program; regulates oil, gas and geothermal wells in the state; studies and maps earthquakes, landslides and mineral resources; and ensures reclamation of mined land. As director, he also serves as the Governor's Official Representative on the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission.

Mr. Young has been an environmental policy and planning analyst for state agencies and national organizations. Prior to his current appointment, he was a deputy director on the staff of Governor Gray Davis in the Office of Planning and Research beginning in January 1999. Previously, Mr. Young was chief consultant to the California Senate Natural Resources and Wildlife Committee from 1995 to 1999.

From 1991 - 1994, Mr. Young was employed by the Sierra Club as the national media director and chief legislative representative in California. He created and conducted statewide and national media campaigns on issues such as ancient forest protection, international trade, endangered species, mining reform, and desert protection. Mr. Young also served on the staff of Assemblyman Sam Farr from 1986 - 1990 where he developed and managed legislative initiatives in public utilities, consumer affairs, environmental and transportation issues. These included the California Organic Food Act and the California Ocean Resources Management Act.

Mr. Young completed political science coursework with an emphasis in environmental policy analysis and planning at California State University, Sacramento, 1979-1981, and the University of California at Davis from 1981-1984.