Larsen underscores importance of Arctic region at hearing; applauds final passage of Coast Guard reauthorization bill

Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today reiterated the significance of the Arctic region to the economy in the Pacific Northwest and the importance of the U.S. upholding its commitments as an Arctic nation. Larsen offered remarks at a subcommittee hearing of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, “The United States as an Arctic Nation: Opportunities in the High North.”

“The Arctic might be out of sight, out of mind for many, but it is part of the everyday economy in the Pacific Northwest. Our ports are often the winter home for maintenance and repair on fishing boats and other vessels that operate in the Alaskan Arctic during the warmer months.

“As an Arctic nation, we also need to be careful stewards of the unique environment, especially as icepacks melt and open the region for additional shipping and commercial activity. And we need to be sensitive to indigenous people to protect their ways of life.

“I started the Congressional Arctic Working Group with Mr. Young from Alaska to help raise awareness about the importance of the Arctic. I appreciate this partnership and the committee’s attention to Arctic issues,” Larsen said.

Larsen also applauded final passage of a Coast Guard reauthorization bill that includes several provisions he has championed, including a plan for the U.S. icebreaker fleet and improved Arctic readiness. The bill now heads to the President for signature.

“Our country faces a steep opportunity curve when it comes to the Arctic, and Congress is starting to recognize the need to improve U.S. readiness in the region. The U.S. will take over as the chair of the Arctic Council in a few months, and the commitment to the Arctic in the Coast Guard bill is a signal our country is better preparing to engage,” Larsen said.

The bill requires the Coast Guard to come to a final decision about reactivating the Polar Sea icebreaker, which is currently mothballed in Seattle. Larsen visited the vessel earlier this year and has led efforts to preserve it. The bill also requires the Coast Guard to improve its ability to track ships in our Arctic waters, and to construct forward operating facilities in the Arctic region.

Larsen is a leading voice in Congress to bring more attention to the Arctic and U.S. responsibilities as one of eight Arctic nations.

###