Bill Overview
Title: Arctic Commitment Act
Description: This bill expands a variety of Arctic-focused provisions pertaining to national security, shipping, and trade. For example, the bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish the Arctic Shipping Federal Advisory Committee to advise DOT on matters related to Arctic maritime transportation, including Arctic seaway development. It also requires the Department of the Navy to ensure that the Port of Nome in Alaska is usable for the implementation of the National Strategy for the Arctic Region and military service strategies for the Arctic. Additionally, the U.S. Coast Guard and Navy must jointly submit to Congress a report that outlines the requirements to establish a persistent, year-round presence of the Navy and Coast Guard in the Arctic region, including at the Port of Nome and any other deepwater port that would facilitate such a presence. The bill also requires the Committee on Maritime Transportation System to submit to Congress a report that describes the control and influence of the Russian Federation on shipping in the Arctic and includes a plan for eliminating or preventing a Russian monopoly on shipping in the region to enable an increased U.S. presence in the Arctic shipping domain. Further, the bill expresses the sense of Congress that (1) Arctic countries are important partners of the United States, and (2) the United States International Development Finance Corporation should make investments in Arctic countries to facilitate technologies that contribute to energy security and sustainable opportunities for indigenous groups.
Sponsors: Sen. Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK]
Target Audience
Population: individuals living within or reliant on the Arctic region
Estimated Size: 72000
- The Arctic Commitment Act targets issues related to the Arctic region, involving national security, shipping, and trade.
- Increased U.S naval and coast guard presence in the Arctic will impact service members and personnel stationed or deployed to this region.
- The Port of Nome in Alaska and surrounding infrastructure will be developed to support these changes, likely affecting local residents and businesses.
- The establishment of the Arctic Shipping Federal Advisory Committee will bring together stakeholders with interests in Arctic maritime transportation.
- Indigenous and local communities in the Arctic region may be affected by increased economic opportunities through investment facilitated by the bill.
- The bill may influence international relations and trade partners involved in Arctic shipping, including Arctic countries and their populations.
- U.S. citizens whose industries are linked to Arctic trade and shipping may experience changes due to the bill's provisions against Russian monopolization.
Reasoning
- Given the Arctic Commitment Act's focus on the Arctic region, its primary impact will be felt by individuals directly associated with Arctic security and trade dynamics.
- The budgetary restrictions highlight a focus on immediate infrastructural and strategic military adjustments in the Arctic, particularly around the Port of Nome, which will involve federal expenditures on military presence and infrastructural upgrades.
- The policy's influence extends to the local Alaskan population, potentially creating both positive economic opportunities and disruptions due to increased military and shipping activities.
- U.S. naval and coast guard personnel will experience direct effects due to altered deployment strategies, although their personal well-being might remain stable as military personnel adapt to strategic shifts.
- Trade and maritime stakeholders can expect medium-term shifts but immediate personal impacts might be limited unless actively engaged in Arctic shipping and trade.
- Indigenous communities may benefit from long-term economic investments targeted at enhancing sustainable opportunities, leading to gradual improvements in their well-being, though initial impacts may be low or neutral.
Simulated Interviews
Local Business Owner (Nome, Alaska)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am hopeful about the economic opportunities but concerned about increased traffic and possible disruption to local life.
- The policy has good intentions but might overlook local voices in decision-making.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Defense Analyst (Washington D.C.)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- For national security, this act is crucial to counter foreign influence in the Arctic.
- I value increased military presence, which will secure our trade routes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Coast Guard Officer (Juneau, Alaska)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The new duty assignments in the Arctic will affect my family life, but it is necessary for our country's mission.
- I am committed to the enhanced strategic presence despite personal sacrifices.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Maritime Trade Consultant (New York, NY)
Age: 51 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The act opens new avenues for U.S. commerce if managed efficiently.
- Preventing a foreign monopoly is crucial for our trade interests.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Indigenous Rights Advocate (Nome, Alaska)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While economic investments are welcome, it is essential that they do not disrupt our traditional way of life.
- Indigenous voices must be part of development processes to ensure sustainability.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Environmental Policy Researcher (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy needs a stronger environmental focus given the Arctic's vulnerability.
- Balancing strategic interests with sustainability is crucial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Logistics Coordinator (Anchorage, Alaska)
Age: 38 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The expansion of Arctic trade routes is an opportunity, but local infrastructure must keep up.
- It's vital for the community to benefit from increased logistics activities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Retired Naval Officer (Seattle, WA)
Age: 65 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Enhancing military presence is essential for geopolitical stability.
- This act rightly focuses on securing Arctic interests.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Tech Entrepreneur (Boston, MA)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The act's investment focus aligns with my business goals for sustainable innovation.
- I'd like to see more inclusion of tech startups in these discussions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Port Authority Manager (Fairbanks, Alaska)
Age: 54 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm excited to see the expansion and modernization of our facilities. It's overdue.
- Concerns about increased workload and maintaining efficient operations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $40000000 (Low: $35000000, High: $45000000)
Year 2: $37000000 (Low: $32000000, High: $42000000)
Year 3: $38000000 (Low: $33000000, High: $43000000)
Year 5: $39000000 (Low: $34000000, High: $44000000)
Year 10: $40000000 (Low: $35000000, High: $45000000)
Year 100: $45000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $50000000)
Key Considerations
- The geopolitical influence in the Arctic region could significantly shift with implementation of this act.
- Potential environmental impacts due to increased shipping and military presence need careful management.
- Investment in renewable technologies and sustainable practices could offset some negative costs.
- Public-private partnerships may be essential for some initiatives outlined in the act.