SJR 10-ARCTIC: POLICY, USCG, ARCTIC COUNCIL  3:32:55 PM CHAIR GIESSEL announced SJR 10 to be up for consideration. JOE BURNS, intern to Senator Giessel, sponsor of SJR 10, explained that this resolution broadly deals with the overall Arctic policy of the United States with particular emphasis on how that policy affects Alaska. Specifically, it urges Congress to expand the existing US Coast Guard Icebreaker fleet to maintain its growing Arctic responsibilities, requesting that the US Department of State include a designated representative from the State of Alaska to serve as part of the official state delegation to the increasingly influential Arctic Council. MR. BURNS said there is renewed interest in the Arctic because of diminishing levels of polar sea ice that is presenting new opportunities to the world. Geologists believe the Arctic holds the potential for large quantities of natural resources that could promote domestic energy security and the Alaskan economy. The decline in the amount of floor sea ice is also presenting commercial interests with the opportunity to reduce international shipping times compared to conventional routes by navigating the Arctic Ocean. 3:35:06 PM He said though the rest of the world appears to recognize the potential of the Arctic, relatively little interest has been exhibited at the federal level. "Major Icebreakers of the World," published by the US Coast Guard reveals how our neighbors have demonstrated their Arctic interests. Icebreakers are essential to carrying out Arctic operations and projecting a nation's presence in northern waters. Russia has 17 state-operated icebreakers, Canada has 6 and the US has only 3 and only 1 of those is presently in service. MR. BURNS said that US interests are at stake in the Arctic and these interests are of particular concern to Alaskans because international Arctic policy affects them uniquely compared to any other state. To preserve Alaska's interests, SJR 10 seeks to give Alaska a presence on the Arctic Council. Since its inception in 1996, this international high-level forum has emerged as a leading channel for the discussion of international Arctic affairs among all the Arctic states. The sponsors believe Alaska's Arctic interests are fundamentally America's interests and that whatever avenues are available to pursue those interests should be pursued. Our nation should seek to unlock the Arctic's potential by having the US take a leadership role in guiding international Arctic policy. They believe that adopting the provisions in SJR 10 will be a good step in advancing that goal. 3:36:45 PM MR. BURNS brought some updated information regarding the number of Russian icebreakers that should be reflected in the resolution on page 2, line 24. It says the total number of Russian icebreakers presently commissioned is now 36 vessels and below it on line 25 the number of Russian government operated icebreakers commissioned is 17. SENATOR DYSON moved conceptual Amendment 1 based on the updated information on page 2, line 24, to change "35" to "36" and on line 25, to change "22" to "17". CHAIR GIESSEL found no objection and announced that Amendment 1 was adopted. CHAIR GIESSEL gave great accolades to Senator McGuire who brought great expertise to this topic. SENATOR MCGUIRE said it was a joy to work with her on this issue. 3:38:17 PM SENATOR FAIRCLOUGH and SENATOR BISHOP joined the committee. 3:38:31 PM SENATOR FRENCH asked how much an icebreaker costs. MR. BURNS answered that he didn't have that information, but would get it for him. CHAIR GIESSEL said she was looking at an article about a privately owned icebreaking anchor-handling tug vessel originally commissioned by Royal Dutch Shell for construction by Edison Chouest Offshore for $150 million; it was somewhat smaller than a full icebreaker. The cost would be substantial. SENATOR DYSON said there is a difference of magnitude between an icebreaker that can break seasonal ice and one that can bust through multi-seasonal ice by a factor of three. The US is in the process of getting its multi-season ice capable vessel refitted for $2.5 to $3 million and they are considering doing it to a sister vessel, too. SENATOR DYSON moved to report SJR 10, as amended, from committee to the next committee of referral with individual recommendations and attached fiscal notes. CHAIR GIESSEL, finding no objection, announced that CSSJR 10(RES) moved from the Senate Resources Standing Committee.