ICYMI: "The United States Needs to Turn its Attention to the Arctic Ocean"

To help the United States better prioritize its interests in the Arctic, Representatives Don Young and Rick Larsen, WA-02, announced the creation of the Congressional Arctic Working Group in an op-ed printed in the Washington Post on Sunday, August 3, 2014.

The bipartisan working group, which will focus on bringing together stakeholders from across Native, environmental, oil and gas, mining, national security, and navigation communities to advise Congress about the opportunities and challenges facing the United States as an Arctic nation, will also work to ensure the nation begins securing its strategic and economic interests in the region.

Congressman Don Young shared this statement following the announcement of the Arctic Working Group:

"Our nation must quickly step up to the plate to address the growing needs of the Arctic, including in areas of resource development, shipping, tourism, and Alaska Native priorities. I am proud to lead that charge with my friend Congressman Rick Larsen by expanding the conversation on this vital American issue. As an Alaskan, I am quick to remind my colleagues in Congress that we are an Arctic nation and inaction will only hurt our many social and economic interests.

"As I've said before, our nation needs a strong leader in the Arctic with the means necessary to dedicate special attention to the many relationships and priorities in the region. While the announcement of our nations' first Arctic Representative is a positive step forward for Alaska and the rest of the country, we must show the rest of the world that the United States is ready to take over the Arctic Council Chairmanship in 2015 by appointing an Ambassador level position to the post."

Congressman Rick Larsen (D-WA-2) shared the following statement after introducing the Arctic Working Group:

"The icy waters of the Arctic may seem remote, but other countries are rapidly and successfully traversing those waters to conduct research, develop energy resources and carry goods to market. The U.S. can sit by and let other countries run the Arctic show, or we can suit up and act to protect our economic, strategic and environmental interests.

"Ports in the Pacific Northwest will become more frequent stops for ships journeying through the Arctic, increasing economic activity along our waterfronts. Maritime activity in the Arctic requires specialized equipment like icebreakers. Shipbuilders and mechanics in Northwest ports are well positioned to take on the added work, creating more jobs. Just because the Arctic is at a high latitude doesn't mean the U.S. should ignore it. The Arctic Working Group, which I'm pleased to start with Mr. Young, will bring needed attention to a part of the world we can't afford to neglect."

The Arctic Institute, a nonprofit organization focused on Arctic policy issues and analysis, welcomed the formation of the working group. Arctic Institute Executive Director, Malte Humpert, offered the following support:

"With the United States set to take over the Chairmanship of the Arctic Council in Spring 2015, this is great time to get a dialogue started to increase attention on Arctic issues in Congress and raise awareness as to why the Arctic region should rank higher on the agenda. The Arctic Ocean is being transformed from a year-round frozen desert into a seasonally navigable ocean. This transformation brings with it great challenges and opportunities and effective stewardship will be key to ensuring that Alaskan and U.S. interests can be met."

Young and Larsen have both advocated for improved U.S. infrastructure in the Arctic, including a stronger icebreaking fleet and an ambassador for Arctic Affairs, a position other Arctic nations already have in place. Read their op-ed in the Washington Post.

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