The White House today announced the reactivation of the Arctic Executive Steering Committee (Committee) and the appointment of six individuals to serve on the U.S. Arctic Research Commission (USARC), stating that the actions “will strengthen the Administration’s science-based approach to tackling climate change, enhancing the United States’ national and economic security, and fostering coordination – particularly with Indigenous Peoples – in the Arctic region.” It called “sound science and strong collaboration with Indigenous Peoples” as “fundamental to every aspect of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Arctic policy.”
The announcement said that the reactivated Committee would advance U.S. Arctic interests, coordinate federal actions in the Arctic, and facilitate implementation of the Northern Bering Sea Climate Resilience Area. Former Ambassador for Oceans and Fisheries David Balton will serve as Executive Director, and Alaska native/former Interior Dept. official Raychelle Aluaq Daniel will serve as Deputy Director.
Commissioner appointees are NANA VP of Lands Elizabeth “Liz” Qaulluq Cravalho, former USARC Chair David Kennedy, North Slope sedimentary and petroleum geologist Mark Myers, former Army Corps of Engineer senior research civil engineer Jacqueline Richter-Menge, Woodrow Wilson International Center Polar Institute Director Mike Sfraga, and Alaska Inter-Tribal Council Executive Director Deborah Vo. Sfraga will serve as Chair.
White House Office of Science & Technology Policy Deputy Director for Climate & Environment Jane Lubchenco said that the new Committee and USARC leadership “understand the critical role the Arctic region plays in our nation’s future security and prosperity.” adding that “[w]hether working to address the climate crisis, implementing policy to keep the region secure, consulting with Indigenous communities, or growing U.S. partnerships in the Arctic, there is no better team to lead this effort.”
