Alaska’s two U.S. senators are backing new legislation aimed at strengthening the nation’s leadership in Arctic and Antarctic research.
U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski, along with Colorado Senator John Hickenlooper, have introduced the POLAR Act.
The bill would permanently authorize the National Science Foundation’s Office of Polar Programs, which supports research in the Arctic and Antarctic.
Supporters say the legislation would strengthen the nation’s ability to study polar regions while improving research related to national security, navigation, climate, and the resilience of Arctic communities.
The measure would also reinforce Alaska’s role in polar research by continuing support for research programs at the University of Alaska.
University leaders say the legislation would help expand scientific research and workforce development while strengthening the state’s position as a leader in Arctic science.
The bill has been introduced in the U.S. Senate and will now move through the legislative process.