U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) on Aug. 2 sponsored legislation to enhance the standing of the United States as an Arctic nation by facilitating greater maritime accessibility, strong trading partners and reliable infrastructure, and to bolster national security.
“I have long raised the importance of Alaska’s location and the immense value being an Arctic nation provides to our nation,” Sen. Murkowski said. “This leadership role requires our attention, stewardship and active effort. I am proud to introduce this comprehensive Arctic bill — covering everything from arctic shipping, to national security, to domain awareness and presence, and strengthening our relationships with fellow Arctic nations.”
The Arctic Commitment Act, S. 4736, which is cosponsored by U.S. Sen. Angus King (I-ME), includes myriad Arctic-focused provisions related to national security, shipping, research, and trade, and would require reports on eliminating Russia’s monopoly on Arctic shipping and establishing a permanent U.S. maritime presence in the Arctic, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Murkowski’s office.
If enacted, S. 4736 also would call for investments in deepwater Arctic ports, improve coordination among federal agencies on Arctic matters, and update the Arctic Research and Policy Act, the summary says.
“Opportunities abound in the Arctic, but accompanying them are great challenges and serious competition,” said Sen. Murkowski. “This legislation takes measures to help protect our Arctic interests, project our capabilities in the High North, leverage our strategic location, and deepen relations with Arctic allies. The United States is an Arctic nation, and we must invest and lead in the region.”
Among numerous provisions, the bill also would implement Arctic military strategies at the Port of Nome; amend the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 to allow the U.S. Energy Secretary to issue a license for the export of hydrogen in all of its forms, including as liquefied natural gas; and permanently establish the Arctic Executive Steering Committee within the Executive Branch to coordinate across federal agencies on advancing an integrated plan for the Arctic, states the summary.
“We cannot be bystanders in the region when we are at a true inflection point in the Arctic,” said Sen. King. “We must be participants — and part of that leadership role includes investments in infrastructure, and standing up for our national interests through military and policy means that demonstrate our commitment and vision to making our presence a priority there.”
S. 4736 has been referred to the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee for consideration.