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The diminishment of Arctic sea ice has led to increased human activities in the Arctic, and has heightened interest in, and concerns about, the region's future. The United States, by virtue of Alaska, is an Arctic country and has substantial interests in the region. The seven other Arctic states are Russia, Canada, Iceland, Denmark (by virtue of Greenland), Norway, Sweden, and Finland. The Arctic Research and Policy Act (ARPA) of 1984 (Title I of P.L. 98-373 of July 31, 1984) "provide[s] for a comprehensive national policy dealing with national research needs and objectives in the Arctic." The National Science Foundation (NSF) is the lead federal agency for implementing Arctic research policy. The Arctic Council, created in 1996, is the leading international forum for addressing issues relating to the Arctic. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) sets forth a comprehensive regime of law and order in the world's oceans, including the Arctic Ocean. The United States is not a party to UNCLOS. An array of climate changes in the Arctic is now documented by observing systems, with more expected with future greenhouse gas-driven climate change. Observed physical changes in the Arctic include warming ocean, soil, and air temperatures; melting permafrost; shifting vegetation and animal abundances; and altered characteristics of Arctic cyclones. A monitoring report of the Arctic Council concluded in 2019 that "the Arctic biophysical system is now clearly trending away from its previous state [in the 20th century] and into a period of unprecedented change, with implications not only within but also beyond the Arctic." Following the end of the Cold War, the Arctic states sought to maintain the Arctic as a region of cooperation, low tension, peaceful resolution of disputes, and respect for international law. Over the past 10 to 15 years, the emergence of great power competition between the United States, Russia, and China has introduced elements of competition and tension into the Arctic's geopolitical environment. Russia's war in Ukraine beginning on February 24, 2022, has further affected the region's geopolitical environment by prompting the seven Arctic states other than Russia to suspend most forms of Arctic cooperation with Russia, by prompting Finland and Sweden to apply for NATO membership (they are now NATO members), and in other ways. The Department of Defense (DOD) and the Coast Guard are devoting increased attention to the Arctic in their planning, budgeting, and operations. Whether DOD and the Coast Guard are taking sufficient actions for defending U.S. interests in the region is a topic of congressional oversight. The Coast Guard has two operational polar icebreakers and through FY2023 has received funding for procuring the first two of four or five planned new heavy polar icebreakers. The diminishment of Arctic ice could lead in coming years to increased commercial shipping on two trans-Arctic sea routes-the Northern Sea Route close to Russia, and the Northwest Passage close to Alaska and through the Canadian archipelago-though the rate of increase in the use of these routes might not be as great as sometimes anticipated in press accounts. International guidelines for ships operating in Arctic waters have been updated. Changes to the Arctic brought about by warming temperatures will likely allow more onshore and offshore exploration for oil, gas, and minerals. Warming that causes permafrost to melt could pose challenges to onshore exploration activities. Increased vessel traffic (e.g., oil and gas exploration, cruise ships, expanded fishing activities) in the Arctic increase the risk of pollution in Arctic waters. Cleaning up oil spills in ice-covered waters will be more difficult than in other areas, primarily because effective strategies for cleaning up oil spills in ice-covered waters have yet to be developed. Changes in the Arctic could result in migration of fish stocks to new waters, and could affect protected species. The United States is working with other countries regarding the management of Arctic fish stocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diminishment of Arctic sea ice has led to increased human activities in the Arctic, and has heightened interest in, and concerns about, the region's future. The United States, by virtue of Alaska, is an Arctic country and has substantial interests in the region. The seven other Arctic states are Canada, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark (by virtue of Greenland), and Russia. The Arctic Research and Policy Act (ARPA) of 1984 (Title I of P.L. 98-373 of July 31, 1984) "provide[s] for a comprehensive national policy dealing with national research needs and objectives in the Arctic." The National Science Foundation (NSF) is the lead federal agency for implementing Arctic research policy. The Arctic Council, created in 1996, is the leading international forum for addressing issues relating to the Arctic. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) sets forth a comprehensive regime of law and order in the world's oceans, including the Arctic Ocean. The United States is not a party to UNCLOS. An array of climate changes in the Arctic is now documented by observing systems, with more expected with future greenhouse gas-driven climate change. Observed physical changes in the Arctic include warming ocean, soil, and air temperatures; melting permafrost; shifting vegetation and animal abundances; and altered characteristics of Arctic cyclones. A monitoring report of the Arctic Council concluded in 2019 that "the Arctic biophysical system is now clearly trending away from its previous state [in the 20th Century] and into a period of unprecedented change, with implications not only within but also beyond the Arctic." Following the end of the Cold War, the Arctic states sought to maintain a tradition of cooperation, low tensions, peaceful resolution of disputes, and respect for international law in managing Arctic affairs. The emergence of great power competition between the United States, Russia, and China has introduced elements of competition and tension into the Arctic's geopolitical environment. Russia's invasion of Ukraine beginning in late February 2022 has substantially affected U.S., Canadian, and Nordic relations with Russia in the Arctic. The Department of Defense (DOD) and the Coast Guard are devoting increased attention to the Arctic in their planning and operations. Whether DOD and the Coast Guard are taking sufficient actions for defending U.S. interests in the region is a topic of congressional oversight. The Coast Guard has two operational polar icebreakers and through FY2021 has received funding for procuring two of at least three planned new polar icebreakers. The diminishment of Arctic ice could lead in coming years to increased commercial shipping on two trans-Arctic sea routes--the Northern Sea Route close to Russia, and the Northwest Passage close to Alaska and through the Canadian archipelago--though the rate of increase in the use of these routes might not be as great as sometimes anticipated in press accounts. International guidelines for ships operating in Arctic waters have been updated. Changes to the Arctic brought about by warming temperatures will likely allow more exploration for oil, gas, and minerals. Warming that causes permafrost to melt could pose challenges to onshore exploration activities. Increased oil and gas exploration and tourism (cruise ships) in the Arctic increase the risk of pollution in the region. Cleaning up oil spills in ice-covered waters will be more difficult than in other areas, primarily because effective strategies for cleaning up oil spills in ice-covered waters have yet to be developed. Large commercial fisheries exist in the Arctic. The United States is working with other countries regarding the management of Arctic fish stocks. Changes in the Arctic could result in migration of fish stocks to new waters, and could affect protected species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on changes in the Arctic and offers an overview of Arctic-related issues for the U.S. Congress. It discusses the definition of the Arctic under the Arctic Research and Policy Act of 1984, U.S. identity as an Arctic nation, the National Science Foundation's budget request for Arctic research, U.S. policy documents relating to the Arctic, the loss of Arctic sea ice resulting from climate change and its implications across the Hemisphere.

The diminishment of Arctic sea ice has led to increased human activities in the Arctic, and has heightened interest in, and concerns about, the region's future. The United States, by virtue of Alaska, is an Arctic country and has substantial interests in the region. The seven other Arctic states are Canada, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark (by virtue of Greenland), and Russia. The Arctic Research and Policy Act (ARPA) of 1984 (Title I of P.L. 98-373 of July 31, 1984) "provide[s] for a comprehensive national policy dealing with national research needs and objectives in the Arctic." The National Science Foundation (NSF) is the lead federal agency for implementing Arctic research policy. Key U.S. policy documents relating to the Arctic include National Security Presidential Directive 66/Homeland Security Presidential Directive 25 (NSPD 66/HSPD 25) of January 9, 2009; the National Strategy for the Arctic Region of May 10, 2013; the January 30, 2014, implementation plan for the 2013 national strategy; and Executive Order 13689 of January 21, 2015, on enhancing coordination of national efforts in the Arctic. On July 29, 2020, the Trump Administration announced that career diplomat James (Jim) DeHart would be the U.S. coordinator for the Arctic region. The Arctic Council, created in 1996, is the leading international forum for addressing issues relating to the Arctic. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) sets forth a comprehensive regime of law and order in the world's oceans, including the Arctic Ocean. The United States is not a party to UNCLOS. Record low extents of Arctic sea ice over the past decade have focused scientific and policy attention on links to global climate change and projected ice-free seasons in the Arctic within decades. These changes have potential consequences for weather in the United States, access to mineral and biological resources in the Arctic, the economies and cultures of peoples in the region, and national security. The geopolitical environment for the Arctic has been substantially affected by the renewal of great power competition. Although there continues to be significant international cooperation on Arctic issues, the Arctic is increasingly viewed as an arena for geopolitical competition among the United States, Russia, and China. Russia in recent years has enhanced its military presence and operations in the Arctic, and the United States, Canada, and the Nordic countries have responded with their own increased presence and operations. China's growing diplomatic, economic, and scientific activities in the Arctic have become a matter of increasing curiosity or concern among the Arctic states and other observers. The Department of Defense (DOD) and the Coast Guard are devoting increased attention to the Arctic in their planning and operations. Whether DOD and the Coast Guard are devoting sufficient resources to the Arctic and taking sufficient actions for defending U.S. interests in the region has emerged as a topic of congressional oversight. The Coast Guard has two operational polar icebreakers and has received funding for the procurement of the first of at least three planned new polar icebreakers. The diminishment of Arctic ice could lead in coming years to increased commercial shipping on two trans-Arctic sea routes--the Northern Sea Route close to Russia, and the Northwest Passage close to Alaska and through the Canadian archipelago--though the rate of increase in the use of these routes might not be as great as sometimes anticipated in press accounts. International guidelines for ships operating in Arctic waters have been recently updated. Changes to the Arctic brought about by warming temperatures will likely allow more exploration for oil, gas, and minerals. Warming that causes permafrost to melt could pose challenges to onshore exploration activities. Increased oil and gas exploration and tourism (cruise ships) in the Arctic increase the risk of pollution in the region. Cleaning up oil spills in ice-covered waters will be more difficult than in other areas, primarily because effective strategies for cleaning up oil spills in ice-covered waters have yet to be developed. Large commercial fisheries exist in the Arctic. The United States is working with other countries regarding the management of Arctic fish stocks. Changes in the Arctic could affect threatened and endangered species, and could result in migration of fish stocks to new waters. Under the Endangered Species Act, the polar bear was listed as threatened on May 15, 2008. Arctic climate change is also expected to affect the economies, health, and cultures of Arctic indigenous peoples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diminishment of Arctic sea ice has led to increased human activities in the Arctic, and has heightened interest in, and concerns about, the region's future. The United States, by virtue of Alaska, is an Arctic country and has substantial interests in the region. The seven other Arctic states are Canada, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark (by virtue of Greenland), and Russia. The Arctic Research and Policy Act (ARPA) of 1984 (Title I of P.L. 98-373 of July 31, 1984) "provide[s] for a comprehensive national policy dealing with national research needs and objectives in the Arctic." The National Science Foundation (NSF) is the lead federal agency for implementing Arctic research policy. Key U.S. policy documents relating to the Arctic include National Security Presidential Directive 66/Homeland Security Presidential Directive 25 (NSPD 66/HSPD 25) of January 9, 2009; the National Strategy for the Arctic Region of May 10, 2013; the January 30, 2014, implementation plan for the 2013 national strategy; and Executive Order 13689 of January 21, 2015, on enhancing coordination of national efforts in the Arctic. The office of the U.S. Special Representative for the Arctic has been vacant since January 20, 2017. The Arctic Council, created in 1996, is the leading international forum for addressing issues relating to the Arctic. The council's mandate explicitly excludes the issue of military security. The council's membership consists of the eight Arctic states, and all decisions of the council and its subsidiary bodies are by consensus of the eight member states. The council also includes six indigenous permanent participants and 39 observer states and organizations. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) sets forth a comprehensive regime of law and order in the world's oceans, including the Arctic Ocean. The United States is not a party to UNCLOS. Record low extents of Arctic sea ice over the past decade have focused scientific and policy attention on links to global climate change and projected ice-free seasons in the Arctic within decades. These changes have potential consequences for weather in the United States, access to mineral and biological resources in the Arctic, the economies and cultures of peoples in the region, and national security. The geopolitical environment for the Arctic has been substantially affected by the renewal of great power competition. Although there continues to be significant international cooperation on Arctic issues, the Arctic is increasingly viewed as an arena for geopolitical competition among the United States, Russia, and China. Russia in recent years has enhanced its military presence and operations in the Arctic, and the other Arctic states are now taking steps to enhance their own military presences and operations in the region. China's activities in the Arctic have been growing steadily in recent years. U.S. military forces, particularly the Navy and Coast Guard, have begun to pay more attention to the Arctic in their planning and operations. The Department of Defense (DOD), the Navy, and the Coast Guard have all issued Arctic strategy documents in recent years. Whether DOD and the military services are adequately resourcing these strategies and taking appropriate and adequate actions for defending U.S. interests in the Arctic has emerged as a topic of debate and congressional oversight. Two Coast Guard has two operational polar icebreakers--the heavy polar icebreaker Polar Star, and the medium polar icebreaker Healy. The Coast Guard has received funding for the procurement of the first of three planned new heavy polar icebreakers. The diminishment of Arctic ice could lead in coming years to increased commercial shipping on two trans-Arctic sea routes--the Northern Sea Route close to Russia, and the Northwest Passage close to Alaska and through the Canadian archipelago--though the rate of increase in the use of these routes might not be as great as sometimes anticipated in press accounts. International guidelines for ships operating in Arctic waters have been recently updated. Changes to the Arctic brought about by warming temperatures will likely allow more exploration for oil, gas, and minerals. Warming that causes permafrost to melt could pose challenges to onshore exploration activities. Increased oil and gas exploration and tourism (cruise ships) in the Arctic increase the risk of pollution in the region. Cleaning up oil spills in ice-covered waters will be more difficult than in other areas, primarily because effective strategies for cleaning up oil spills in ice-covered waters have yet to be developed. Large commercial fisheries exist in the Arctic. The United States is currently meeting with other countries regarding the management of Arctic fish stocks. Changes in the Arctic could affect threatened and endangered species, and could result in migration of fish stocks to new waters. Under the Endangered Species Act, the polar bear was listed as threatened on May 15, 2008. Arctic climate change is also expected to affect the economies, health, and cultures of Arctic indigenous peoples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on a report based on Arctic region comprising impacts of climate change on Arctic region, risks associated with ongoing military operations, and oil pollution of the Arctic sea. The topics addressed include details on the implementation plan for National Strategy for Arctic Region and information on the Arctic and the United Nations (UN) Convention on Law of the Sea.

An appendix is presented related to the U.S. Arctic Research and Policy Act (ARPA) of 1984.

An appendix is presented of the U.S. Arctic Research and Policy Act (ARPA) of 1984.

The article provides information on what encompasses the Arctic region and how its boundaries are defined. Topics discussed include the location of the Arctic Circle, the countries that have territories in the Arctic and the geographic definition of the Arctic based on the U.S. Arctic Research and Policy Act (ARPA) of 1984. Also discussed are the Arctic boundaries as specified in ARPA, the key provisions of ARPA and appropriations made by the U.S. for Arctic research in 2017.

An appendix is presented of a presidential directive which established a new U.S. policy for the Artic region issued as the National Security Presidential Directive 66/Homeland Security Presidential Directive 25 (NSPD 66/HSPD 25) on January 9, 2009.

An appendix related to the U.S. Arctic Research and Policy Act (ARPA) of 1984 and the findings and declaration of the U.S. Congress regarding the research and policy towards the Arctic region is presented.

The article offers information on the definitions of the Arctic which is commonly defined as the land and sea area north of the Arctic Circle. The Arctic Circle definition including the northernmost third or so of Alaska, Chukchi Sea, and the U.S. territorial and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) waters north of Alaska. It discusses the definition under the U.S. Arctic Research and Policy Act (ARPA) of 1984.

An appendix is presented for presidential directive regarding the establishment and implementation of U.S. Arctic region policy issued by the U.S. administration on January 12, 2009.

An appendix is presented of the U.S. Arctic Research and Policy Act (ARPA) of 1987.

The article provides an overview of the multiple definitions of the Arctic that lead in differing descriptions of the sea and land areas encompassed by the term. Section 112 of the Arctic Research and Policy Act (ARPA) of 1984 defines the Arctic as foreign territory north of the Arctic Circle and all U.S. territory west and north. Other definitions of the Arctic are based on factors such as the extent of sea ice on the ocean, extent of permafrost on land and average temperature.

An appendix is presented of the Arctic Research and Policy Act (ARPA) of 1984.

An appendix is presented of the Arctic Research and Policy Act (ARPA) of 1984 (Title I of P.L. 98-373) text of the U.S. Congress.

An appendix is presented that focuses on U.S. President George W. Bush's January 2009 directive that established a new U.S. policy for the Arctic region.

An appendix is presented that focuses on the U.S. Arctic Research and Policy Act of 1984.

An appendix is presented on the text of the Arctic Research Policy Act of 1984.

The article presents information related to policy discussions of the Arctic region. Topics include Arctic Circle definition and resulting Arctic countries, the U.S. Arctic Research and Policy Act of 1984, major U.S. policy documents relating to the Arctic, and U.S. chairmanship of Arctic Council in 2015-2017.

The article offers information on other definitions of the Arctic under the Arctic Research and Policy Act (ARPA) of 1984. Among the key factors considered in defining the coverage of the Arctic region includes the average temperature, the northern tree line, and the permafrost on land. The article also mentions the definition of the Arctic based on climate-related factors due to climate change.

An appendix is presented of Arctic Research and Policy Act (ARPA) of 1984 (Title I of P.L. 98-373).

An appendix is presented of research and policy in the Arctic region as of June 2014 including the Arctic Research and Policy Act (ARPA) of 1984, the January 2009 Arctic Policy Directive released by U.S. President George W. Bush administration, and the May 2013 National Strategy for Arctic Region.

The article explores issues for the U.S. Congress on the changes in the Arctic as of June 2014. Topics discussed include climate change and loss of sea ice, territorial claims and sovereignty issues, commercial sea transportation, and offshore exploration of oil, gas and mineral. Also mentioned are the response and challenges on oil pollution and the effects of climate change because of increased human activities in the region such as oil spill.

The article offers background information on the legal definition of the Arctic region. Topics discussed include definitions of the region based on its land and sea area as noted in Arctic Research and Policy Act (ARPA), the average temperature and the extent of sea ice, national research by the U.S., and the budget requested by the National Science Foundation (NSF) for its research. Also mentioned are policy documents and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The article discusses Arctic region-related issues for the U.S. Congress as of April 28, 2014. Topics discussed include climate change, territorial claims and sovereignty, commercial sea transportation, oil pollution, fisheries, geopolitical government, U.S. military forces and operations, and reports from the Congressional Research Service (CRS).

The article presents an overview of the U.S. Congressional Research Service (CRS) report on Arctic-related issues for the U.S. government as of April 2014. Topics discussed include definitions of the Arctic, the amended Arctic Research and Policy Act (ARPA) of 1984, major U.S. policy documents relating to the Arctic such as the national security strategy document of May 2010, and the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

An appendix is presented of the Arctic Research and Policy Act (ARPA) of 1984 of the U.S. government.

An appendix is presented containing the full text of the Arctic Research and Policy Act (ARPA) of 1984.

The article discusses the background of Arctic-related issues for U.S. Congress. It examines the Arctic Circle definition and resulting Arctic countries, the Arctic Boundary as defined by the Arctic Research and Policy Act (ARPA), and the January 2009 Arctic Policy Directive, as well as the January 2014 implementation plan for national strategy for the Arctic region. It also elaborates on U.S. activities as a non-party to the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The article focuses on the report "Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress" released by the U.S. Congressional Research Service as of March 28, 2014. Topics discussed include the U.S. research in Arctic, the U.S. Arctic Research and Policy Act of 1984, and the United Nations' Convention on Law of the Sea. It further discusses issues that are needed to be addressed by the U.S. congress including commercial sea transportation, climate change, and gas and mineral exploration.

The article presents the text of the U.S. Arctic Research and Policy Act (ARPA) of 1984.

The article discusses various aspects of the Arctic region as of July 5, 2013. It highlights the definition of the term Arctic Circle and resulting Arctic countries. The definition of the Arctic region in the U.S. Arctic Research and Policy Act (ARPA) of 1984 is presented. Research-related provisions of the ARPA are discussed. It highlights the National Science Foundation's (NSF) budget request for Arctic research for fiscal year 2014 and provisions of the January 2009 Arctic Policy Directive

An appendix is presented of the text of the U.S. Arctic Research and Policy Act (ARPA) of 1984.

The article discusses the interests and activities of the U.S. in the Arctic region. Several definitions of the Arctic are provided with regard to the Arctic Circle and the resulting Arctic countries and according to the U.S. Arctic Research and Policy Act (ARPA) of 1984. Elements of the National Science Foundation's budget request for Arctic research for fiscal year 2014 are outlined. The U.S. government's national strategy for the region released in May 2013 is also addressed.

An appendix on the January 2009 U.S. Arctic Policy Directive (NSPD 66/HSPD 25) released by President George W. Bush is presented.

An appendix on the document "National Strategy for Arctic Region" released by the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama on May 10, 2013 is presented.

An appendix is presented on the Arctic Research and Policy Act (ARPA) of 1984 passed by the U.S. Congress is presented.

The article presents the U.S. Congressional Research Service (CRS) report for Congress, "Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress," by Ronald O'Rourke, with focus on issues for Congress. Among these issues are climate change and loss of Arctic Sea ice, territorial claims and sovereignty issues, and commercial sea transportation. Other issues for Congress include oil, gas, and mineral exploration, oil pollution and pollution response, and indigenous people living in the Arctic.

The article presents the U.S. Congressional Research Service (CRS) report for Congress, "Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress." It discusses definitions of the Arctic and U.S. Arctic research. It also explores issues for Congress, including climate change and loss of Arctic sea ice, territorial claims and sovereignty issues, commercial sea transportation, oil, gas and mineral exploration and fisheries.

The article offers a background to the U.S. Congressional Research Service (CRS) report for Congress, "Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress." It defines the Arctic base on the Arctic Circle and the Arctic Research and Policy Act (ARPA) of 1984. It also explores the January 2009 Arctic Policy Directive and the May 2013 National Strategy for Arctic Region. In addition, it examines the Arctic and the United Nations Convention of Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

An appendix for studies about issues related to the Arctic Research and Policy Act in the U.S. is presented.

Appendix C for the January 2009 Arctic Policy Directive is presented.

Appendix A for the Arctic Research and Policy Act of 1984 is presented.

An appendix is presented about Arctic Research and Policy Act (ARPA) of 1984 in the U.S.

The article focuses on the diminishment of Arctic sea, and Arctic-related issues for the U.S Congress. Topics discussed include the Arctic Research and Policy Act (ARPA) of 1984, January 2009 Arctic Policy Directive (NSPD 66/HSPD 25) operating under the George W. Bush Administration, and the U.N. Convention on Law of the Sea. Other topics include the changes to the Arctic brought about by warming temperatures resulting from climate change and exploration for oil and gas offshore.

An appendix is presented of the Arctic Research and Policy Act (ARPA) of 1984.

An appendix to a July 7, 2011 Congressional Research Service (CRS) report, which presents the text of the Arctic Research and Policy Act of 1984 in the U.S., is introduced.

The article provides an overview of Arctic-related issues of interest to the U.S. Congress. It discusses the multiple definitions of the Arctic, including the Arctic Circle definition and resulting Arctic countries and its definition under the Arctic Research and Policy Act of 1984 in the U.S. It details the U.S. National Science Foundation fiscal year 2011 budget request for Arctic research, and the Arctic policy directive released on January 12, 2009.