Oil and Gas in the U.S. Arctic

House Committee hears Coast Guard testimony on Arctic icebreakers

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation held a hearing on July 27 on the National Icebreaker Fund Act (H.R. 3214), which would fund construction and renovation of icebreakers as well as government leases on privately owned vessels.

USGS releases five-year plan to study Arctic

On July 28, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) released its 2015-2020 plan for the Arctic region, focusing on coastal erosion and its effect on coastal communities.

EARTH - Endangered Icebreakers: The Future of Arctic Research, Exploration and Rescue at Risk

The United States' Icebreaker Fleet - operated by the U.S. Coast Guard - consists of just two ships that are used for everything from search and rescue to national security operations to scientific research. In our August cover story, EARTH Magazine examines the various roles icebreakers play, especially in Arctic research, and how insufficient funding is affecting the icebreakers' roles.

White House conditionally approves Arctic Drilling

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management issued a statement on May 11 granting Royal Dutch Shell PLC conditional drilling rights in the Chukchi Sea off Alaska’s northwest coast.

United States Arctic opportunities hearing

Witnesses

Admiral Robert Papp

U.S. Department of State Special Representative for the Arctic

The Honorable Lesil McGuire

Alaska State Legislature Representative

The Honorable Bob Herron

Alaska State Legislature Representative

The Honorable Charlotte Brower

Mayor of North Slope Borough

Dr. Cecilia Bitz

University of Washington College of the Environment, School Atmospheric Sciences Professor

Mr. Patrick R. Arnold

Senate Energy and Natural Resources holds Arctic Opportunities Hearing

The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources held a hearing to evaluate opportunities for the United States to build on its status as an Arctic nation.

Ocean Leadership Consortium Public Policy Forum focuses on Arctic issues

The 2015 Consortium for Ocean Leadership Public Policy Forum on Predicting and Preparing for a Changing Arctic took place on March 4.

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management moves forward on Arctic leasing

On February 12, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) released their final environmental review for oil and gas leases in the Chukchi Sea off the coast of Alaska.

President and federal agencies propose new restrictions, leases in Arctic

In late January, the Obama administration and federal agencies proposed new policies governing Arctic oil and gas exploration.

American Geosciences Institute

arctic