White House Releases Implementation Plan for the National Strategy for the Arctic Region

Today the White House released the Implementation Plan for the National Strategy for the Arctic Region. The Administration solicited input from Alaska Natives, the State of Alaska, Congress, academia, industry and others to develop an Implementation Plan that sets forth the guidelines for Federal Departments and Agencies to execute the National Strategy for the Arctic Region. The Implementation Plan complements and builds upon existing initiatives by Federal, State, local, and tribal authorities, the private sector, and international partners, and also focuses efforts where opportunities exist and action is most needed. It is designed to meet the reality of a changing Arctic environment and uphold our interests in safety and security, protect the environment, and work with international partners to pursue our global objective of combating the effects of climate change as described in the President’s Climate Action Plan.

While the Implementation Plan is designed to guide the activities of Federal Departments and Agencies, successful implementation will depend upon active engagement and coordination with Alaska Natives and the State of Alaska. The Implementation Plan will be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure that progress continues to be made in positioning the United States to best prepare and respond to changes, challenges, and opportunities in the Arctic region. Progress on implementation actions by Federal Departments and Agencies will be provided through an annual report to the President.

Read the full report here.

Patrick Ventrell is Director of Communications for the National Security Advisor and Assistant Press Secretary, National Security Council Staff.