Political Quotes

“Let me turn to the issue of Arctic and North Pacific fisheries research--a critical issue I have worked on from my first day in the Senate: My first speech on the floor of the Senate involved the importance of Arctic research, particularly as it related to fisheries. My first major legislative initiative was the Arctic Research and Policy Act, signed into law by President Reagan. The Arctic Research Commission, created by this Act, had as its first recommendation the need to develop a fuller understanding of Arctic Ocean, Bering Sea, and the ecosystems they sustain. This amendment include our effort to fulfill the commission's recommendations. I am pleased to see the commission play an important role on the board created by this amendment. I particularly like the approach of using proceeds from Arctic OCS revenues invested in scientific research to better understand the Arctic ecosystem: Arctic wealth provided these revenues, so it is only fair to return a portion to help protect the Arctic itself. The wealth of North America is in the Arctic.”