09.23.24

Senator Murkowski Introduces Arctic Research and Policy Amendments Act of 2024

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) introduced the Arctic Research and Policy Amendments Act of 2024, updating the landmark Arctic Research and Policy Act (ARPA) of 1984. Senator Murkowski celebrated the 40th anniversary of the original ARPA with a significant event at the White House last week.

“The Arctic Research and Policy Amendments Act of 2024 builds upon the strong foundation of the original APRA of 1984. As the geographic and political landscape of the Arctic evolves, the way we approach, research, and analyze the region should as well,” said Senator Murkowski. “My father arrived to the Senate in 1980 and realized that our country was paying very little attention to the Arctic and its potential. He set out to change that with the introduction of ARPA, establishing a framework for Arctic research and collaboration. He succeeded in that endeavor 40 years ago, and it is a legacy I am proud to continue. The United States should be a leader in the ‘Age of the Arctic,’ and the Arctic Research and Policy Amendments Act of 2024 will further us in that direction.”

The Arctic Research and Policy Amendments Act of 2024 proposes the following updates to the original ARPA of 1984:

  1. Broaden ARPA’s scope to include the Arctic’s increasing role in national and homeland defense.
  2. Strengthen climate and environmental research to provide sustained funding for research on the Arctic’s impact on global systems.
  3. Establish an annual award for excellence in Arctic research.
  4. Expand U.S. Arctic Research Commission to include an Alaskan who is appointed the Governor of Alaska. 

Last week, Senator Murkowski gave remarks on the Senate floor commemorating the 40th anniversary of the original ARPA.