Interior Alaska News

Several Arctic policy experts recently testified at a Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation hearing, emphasizing the need for increased infrastructure investments in Alaska. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) highlighted the strategic importance of Alaska, comparing it to Greenland and criticizing Democratic administrations for treating the state like a "national park." He argued that Alaska offers significant resources and national security benefits.

Senator Sullivan pointed out increasing incursions by Russian and Chinese military forces into Alaska's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The experts agreed with him on the necessity of deploying new military assets to the state.

The senator expressed optimism about future investments in Alaska due to former President Donald Trump's focus on the region. Trump had issued an executive order aimed at enhancing resource potential in Alaska.

Officials who testified included Alexander Gray from the American Foreign Policy Council, Anthony Marchese of Texas Mineral Resources, Dr. Jennifer Mercer from the National Science Foundation’s Office of Polar Programs, and Dr. Rebecca Pincus from the Wilson Center’s Polar Institute.

During his exchanges at the hearing, Senator Sullivan underscored that "everything that people talk about with regard to Greenland we have in spades already in America—it's called Alaska." He noted General Billy Mitchell's historical testimony describing Alaska as "the most strategic place on the planet."

Alexander Gray supported Sullivan's views, stating that a holistic Arctic strategy is crucial. He emphasized deficiencies such as limited icebreakers compared to Russia's fleet.

Sullivan questioned why there has been an increase in joint Russian-Chinese naval activities near U.S. waters and stressed the need for more infrastructure in America's Arctic region.

Gray responded by affirming that more infrastructure is necessary both for defense and power projection purposes. Anthony Marchese agreed with this sentiment, advocating for substantial infrastructure spending within Alaska and across the United States.

Dr. Jennifer Mercer emphasized America's leadership in scientific research while highlighting reliance on Coast Guard icebreakers and other resources. Dr. Rebecca Pincus pointed out various challenges faced by Alaska, including coastal erosion and permafrost issues.

The discussion concluded with agreement among panelists on prioritizing infrastructure development to enhance national security interests in America's Arctic region.