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Senator urges renewed U.S. Arctic strategy, expanded icebreaker fleet and engagement with Greenland
Summary
In opening remarks to the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, an unnamed senator called for renewed U.S. leadership in the Arctic, citing climate-driven new sea lanes, security threats from Russia and China, and economic opportunities in Greenland including critical minerals and hydropower.
An unnamed senator told the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee in opening remarks that the United States must "renew and recommit to an Arctic strategy that solidifies America's leadership in the Arctic." The senator said climate change is opening sea routes and creating both new economic opportunities and strategic vulnerabilities.
"The United States is an Arctic nation," the senator said, noting long-standing economic ties to the region and asserting the risks posed by increased activity from Russia and China. "New shipping channels could shorten shipping times between Europe and Asia by 2 weeks or more," the senator said, and added that tourism, infrastructure development and critical mineral production could follow as ice retreats.
The senator warned that Russia and China are expanding their military presence in the Arctic and cited concerns including control of sea lanes, interference with undersea…
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