Murkowski Spotlights Alaska at Arctic Circle Assembly in Iceland

“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 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.