Assessing U.S. preparedness and response in the Arctic : the opportunities and challenges of increased marine activity : field hearing before the Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, United States Senate, One Hundred Thirteenth Congress, first session, March 27, 2013.

Assessing U.S. preparedness and response in the Arctic : the opportunities and challenges of increased marine activity : field hearing before the Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, United States Senate, One Hundred Thirteenth Congress, first session, March 27, 2013.

U.S. Arctic waters north of the Bering Strait and west of the Canadian border encompass a vast area that is usually ice covered for much of the year, but is increasingly experiencing longer periods and larger areas of open water due to climate change. Sparsely inhabited with a wide variety of ecosystems found nowhere else, this region is vulnerable to damage from human activities. As oil and gas, shipping, and tourism activities increase, the possibilities of an oil spill also increase. How can we best prepare to respond to such an event in this challenging environment? Responding to Oil Spills in the U.S. Arctic Marine Environment reviews the current state of the science regarding oil spill response and environmental assessment in the Arctic region north of the Bering Strait, with emphasis on the potential impacts in U.S. waters. This report describes the unique ecosystems and environment of the Arctic and makes recommendations to provide an effective response effort in these challenging conditions. According to Responding to Oil Spills in the U.S. Arctic Marine Environment, a full range of proven oil spill response technologies is needed in order to minimize the impacts on people and sensitive ecosystems. This report identifies key oil spill research priorities, critical data and monitoring needs, mitigation strategies, and important operational and logistical issues. The Arctic acts as an integrating, regulating, and mediating component of the physical, atmospheric and cryospheric systems that govern life on Earth. Not only does the Arctic serve as regulator of many of the Earth's large-scale systems and processes, but it is also an area where choices made have substantial impact on life and choices everywhere on planet Earth. This report's recommendations will assist environmentalists, industry, state and local policymakers, and anyone interested in the future of this special region to preserve and protect it from damaging oil spills.

"The gradual retreat of polar sea ice in the Arctic region, combined with an expected increase in human activity - shipping traffic, oil and gas exploration, and tourism - could eventually increase the need for a U.S. military and homeland security presence in the Arctic. In recognition of increasing strategic interest in the Arctic, the United States has developed national level policies that guide the actions of the Department of Defense (DOD), the U.S. Coast Guard, and other stakeholders in the region. This book provides an overview of the policies that indicate that the United States has an enduring interest in working collaboratively with other nations to address the emerging challenges arising from the impacts of climate change and globalization in the Arctic. Also discussed are Arctic national security needs including protecting the environment, managing resources, and supporting scientific research."--