Rather than focusing on the core mission of cleaning up the environment, the Agency has produced rule after rule using questionable legal authority.

Well, and we've got other situations going on all over the State.

Let me ask you about WOTUS.

I don't think it's asking too much to say give us the time to fairly and critically analyze these numbers. And if you have -- if you're saying, well, CBO numbers don't matter, then let's look at the numbers that you do think matter. But it…

We are pioneering microgrids in Alaska that the rest of the world is paying attention to.

What are we doing here in the Congress, what are we doing in the Administration to really take that leadership role that I think the United States should as an Arctic nation?

I would appreciate that. I know that they would. We would certainly welcome you to Alaska.

It is just a reminder that the path to Air Force greatness often runs straight through Alaska and we appreciate that.

Unfortunately, what has happened is there has been unintended negative consequences on the Alaska Native arts economy.

Protecting our public lands should be an American issue and to have the right leadership in the right place, imminently qualified people.

I share your frustration. You know, there are some who says, well, the process is slowed here in the Senate.

I do not think is necessarily appropriate though is when our Federal agencies embark on what I would view as almost a private hunt.

I wrote you earlier this spring to see if you could help us settle an issue, a land issue, in the State that would provide for a bypass route of the Sterling Highway at Cooper Landing.

You know, the issue with King Cove and my 10 mile, one-lane gravel, non-commercial use road is a 25, a 30 year old debate.

Early warning is important.

I am always looking to see where have we, as an Arctic nation, placed the priority, the funding priority, in our budgets.

I want it clear for the record we have no African elephants in Alaska.

I am going to be on you and your folks to make sure that we have a serious commitment of resources and prioritization to clean these wells up.

I need some understanding this morning as where we stand with the co-management regime, what the timeframe is for this proposed rulemaking.

Well, and I understand that. Also recognize that this is a bilateral commission that we have in place with Russia.

I have your commitment and that of the folks within your department to work with Alaska Natives as we implement the treaty.

We actually had to include language in the 2017 Omnibus that said, no, do not spend taxpayer dollars to do this.

I am not in favor of the wholesale elimination of or drastic reductions to programs simply to hit a budget number.

It is our veterans that do not get that level of service.

I think a new administration and folks that are working earnestly to address this will hopefully allow us to finally resolve the problem of fire borrowing.