Senator Mark Begich’s Arctic 7-Pack
Recognizing that the Arctic will play a major role in the nation’s commerce, foreign policy, and energy independence over the next 50 years, U.S. Sen. Mark Begich today introduced a legislative package of seven bills designed to plan and prepare for the changes and challenges in the region. Begich devoted his “maiden” speech on the Senate floor to the issue because of its importance to Alaska.
Called the Inuvikput legislation after the Inupiaq expression meaning “the place where we live,” Begich’s package of bills deal with oil exploration, climate change, shipping, health, and diplomacy in America’s arctic. Begich said the Arctic holds enormous natural resource wealth which should be carefully developed to create American jobs and help ensure the nation’s energy independence.
“This century, and the next 50 years of Alaska statehood, brings great challenges and great opportunities,” Begich said in a speech illustrated with dramatic pictures of Alaska’s Arctic. “To succeed, we must address the broader policy implications of an ice-diminishing Arctic on the diplomatic, scientific and national security fronts.”
Begich said Alaska is “Ground Zero” for the effects of global climate change, citing such examples as villages being wiped away by erosion due to the diminishing arctic icepack; melting sea ice that is devastating for species such as the polar bear, walrus, and seals; thawing permafrost causing homes to buckle; ocean acidification weakening the marine food chain; and warming water temperatures that are changing the migration patterns of many species of fish.
He pointed to a recent study by the University of Alaska’s Institute of Social and Economic Research that estimates the impacts of climate change will increase the cost of maintaining or replacing current public infrastructure in Alaska by as much as $6 billion.
“Although Alaskans are well aware of the impacts of climate change in our state, national decision makers are just starting to come to grips with its challenges and opportunities,” Begich said. “Today I am introducing a package of seven bills to address challenges facing the Arctic, almost all of which have been caused by, or are being exacerbated by, climate change.”
During the remarks Senator Begich answers questions on:
– The personal meaning of introducing legislation during the 50th anniversary of statehood.
– The impetus for the introduction of the Inuvikput package.
– What the next steps for the bills are.
– His support for the adoption of the Law of the Sea Treaty.
– Progress of OCS development.
– The prospects of Senator Begich’s proposal to establish an Arctic desk at the NIH.
So who is Begich going to be more afraid of. The NRA or MoveOn.org?
Bystander: NRA?
So why is Begich the LONE Dem not committed to vote for Sotomayor?
Can we clone him?
When it’s boiled down, what I see is Begich pandering to the Native vote, and he is putting up the pretext of ‘caring for the environment and science’ simply as a means to justify more extractive resource development.
The newly elected so-called ‘Democratic’ junior senator Begich, in his first official act, joined with the Repugnants in their efforts to torpedo Obama’s stimulus package,
Begich has since sided with the military-industrial corporations while backing continuation of Ronnie Raygun’s insanity driven failed Star Wars missile defense, not to mention his siding with the obstructionists concerning the appointment of Sotomayor, and the excising of the public option from health care reform.
You folks who are praising Begich aren’t paying attention to much beyond the false image Begich has provided, and the self-aggrandizing public relations promotions.
Best look a bit deeper into this self-styled ‘Democrat’.
The image hasn’t been backed up in reality.
Ever hear of a guy named Lieberman?
Some used to call him a ‘Democrat’ too.
Did he mention the salmon or subsistence fishing?
I am happy for you all in AK with Sen. Mark Begich leading. The video is playing rather slowly; it would not play earlier when I tried. Change happens when one hits the ground running. It seems that your new senator cares. IMO, it would be good for him resist being a ‘blue dog’ democratic republican. I hope he is progressive, he sounds like he is.
Today, the Chicago Sun-Times picked up an AP story ‘King salmon run dry in Alaska, some blame pollock fishing for killing off Natives’ vital food source.’ Nick Andrew Jr., executive direct of the Ohagamuit Traditional Council is quoted in the article along with a picture from 2001 with an unidentified salmon fisherman on the Yukon River.
Glad to see Mark moving forward.
SO glad he won the election, is proving his worth and is touch with the many long term issues facing this world/country.
Now if our other senator can get her head out of the sand…..
I watched the complete video, and I am very impressed with your Senator Begich. He is thoughtful and sincere in his wanting to do the best for all of Alaska. He will be able to get people to work with him, and help him do what is best for your state. You can be proud of this one.
“He pointed to a recent study by the University of Alaska’s Institute of Social and Economic Research that estimates the impacts of climate change will increase the cost of maintaining or replacing current public infrastructure in Alaska by as much as $6 billion.”
Very sobering estimates that should get more attention.
Exciting news for, Alaskans. Begich is very impressive and seem to truly have an invested interest in Alaska and its issues.
All the window dressing aside, Russia, Canada, Denmark, Norway, the US and others are positioning themselves to grab what they can of the Arctic. LOST(law of the sea treaty), treaty being the key word, is supposed to level the playing field. Treaties and honor and America in the same sentence, the Republicans know better. That is why they are against it. Why bother?
When he says it, it sounds intelligent. When Sarah said it: Denali, the great one, narrow maritime border, north to the future, whoever it was and the Sourdoughs, energy independence for the lower 48, broccoli, carrots, onions, radishes, various kinds of lettuce, dresing.
A welcome relief.
JRC: I hail from MA originally. You have NO idea what a different political climate it is here! Glad to hear that you like our new senator. He fought a good fight for the seat and has hit the ground running.
This presentation puts to rest with a giant THUD any and all reservations that Alaska republicans had about the “Boy Senator”. Mark earned his seat and continues to work hard on issues that impact Alaska. Proud to have him represent us!
I really like Begich–and I’m from Massachusetts. 🙂
This is good to read.
Good for him to start on this track.
The shipping industries dream, a Northwest Passage is about to become real.
Excellent start on this critical issue!
I sure would like to see him team this with support for the Public Option in health care reform, but he hasn’t taken a position yet and did not sign the letter several others in the Blue Dog Coalition did. Here’s hoping!
Yay! for Alaska – Good work Senator Begich. Hoping for some positive changes. This affects us all.
Hey booboodog – this guys proving he’s got some (o:
*clap clap clap*
I wonder if the ex-gov-gone-missing will maintain that there is no climate change once they have laws against ruining our planet in Alaska.
Well done Mr. Begich. I hope he gets something done here. What can we do to help?
I watched a special about the Arctic on our Canadian National Geographic. This is such an important issue…watching the plight of the Polar Bear actual had me in tears ( I know pretty sappy ) but sometimes it is overwhelming what we have done or are doing to this earth. I know some of it is natural but a lot of it is our doing and i do wonder if it is not to late.