Murkowski Spotlights Alaska at Arctic Circle Assembly in Iceland
Murkowski and Iceland Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir.
Office of Senator Lisa Murkowski
US Senator Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, delivered remarks during the opening session of the 2018 Arctic Circle Assembly, which is being held in Reykjavik, Iceland.
Murkowski speaking at the Arctic Circle Assembly.
Office of Senator Lisa Murkowski
The Assembly annually brings together more than 2,000 of the most influential leaders, policymakers, and experts from more than 60 countries to focus on the Arctic region. This year’s Assembly showcase is the state of Alaska – America’s Arctic.
“It is an honor to have Alaska spotlighted during this year’s event,” Murkowski said. “From energy innovation to community adaptation and scientific research, Alaskans are leading the way and looking to collaborate with international partners. Our focus drives us to pursue responsible economic development while addressing the challenges of a harsh and fragile environment, and acting as good stewards to preserve our resources and our way of life for future generations.”
Murkowski pointed to the innovative solutions being tested and implemented in isolated communities across the state to provide Alaskans with access to sustainable energy and healthcare.
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Murkowski moderating plenary discussion.
Office of Senator Lisa Murkowski
“From our experience in operating microgrids and distributed sources of power generation, to the testing grounds for unmanned aerial systems, as well as in the areas of telehealth and telemedicine, Alaska is an Arctic leader,” Murkowski said. “If necessity is the mother of invention, you will find plenty of necessity in America’s Arctic. Our need to drive down costs and increase reliability in remote and isolated communities drives our innovation.”
Murkowski also acknowledged an important gathering taking place simultaneously in Alaska – the annual convention of the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN).
“We are fortunate that a number of Alaska Natives are with us in Iceland, even while this is also AFN week,” Murkowski said. “Alaska is well represented here in Iceland as we make the AFN Convention an international affair.”
In addition, Murkowski moderated a plenary discussion focused on energy innovation and community adaptation underway across Alaska, which featured Alaska Center for Energy and Power Director Gwen Holdman; Cordova Mayor Clay Koplin; Juneau Economic Development Council Executive Director Brian Holst; International Arctic Science Committee President and Vice-Chancellor for Research at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Larry Hinzman; and NANA Regional Corporation Vice President of Operations Eric Utraq Billingsley.
Murkowski and Iceland Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir.
Office of Senator Lisa Murkowski
Murkowski is chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. She is a long standing member on the Standing Committee of Arctic Parliamentarians as well as chair of the Senate Arctic Caucus.
This year the Alaska Railroad is celebrating 100 years of transportation people and cargo around Alaska. While the railroad is one of the states oldest transporters, it certainly isn’t the only one, and in this issue of Alaska Business we also check in on the Marine Highway, Span Alaska, and the White Pass & Yukon Route. For those interested in Southeast, our focus on that region provides updates on Kensington Mine, Tongass FCU, the troll fishery, and Juneau’s growing landfill.