Begich: Coast Guard needs more Arctic icebreakers

Sen. Begich and Coast Guard commandant affirm need to increase Arctic capacity

July 7, 2009 -- Climate change in the Arctic is making the Coast Guard's role in Alaska even more critical, and highlighting the need for additional ice-breaking vessels, the Commandant of the Coast Guard, Admiral Thad Allen, testified today under questioning by Alaska Senator Mark Begich.

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Admiral Allen said the Coast Guard is undergoing a major analysis of its needs in the Arctic as a result of global warming, which should be completed by year-end. Meanwhile, Allen said the nation's current fleet of two ice-breakers, plus an ice-breaking research vessel, may be insufficient to deal with increased shipping in the Arctic.

The admiral's comments came in response to questioning by Begich in an Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard Subcommittee hearing of the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee this morning.

"The Coast Guard today underscored what Alaskans have been saying for years - that the U.S. must beef up its ability to deal with warming in the Arctic which is increasing marine transportation in the fragile North," Begich said. "I strongly support the Coast Guard's increased presence in the Arctic to help safeguard our waters and protect the Alaskans who work and subsist in them."

"As our nation faces the challenges of a global economy, the environmental impacts of climate change, piracy, and the long-term struggle against radical extremism; the Coast Guard must be equipped to conduct preparedness and response operations across a broad spectrum of potential risks, threats and hazards," Allen said.

In a Congressional hearing today to review Coast Guard operations, Allen said his agency's role is growing in the Arctic as ice melts, opening sea lanes for Arctic transportation. Currently the U.S. has two polar class ice-breakers, but one, the Polar Star, has not sailed since 2006 and needs major repairs. A third smaller icebreaker, the Healy, is designed for research and capable of operating in ice conditions. By contrast, Russia has about 20 ice-breakers and Canada 13.

Allen said the American vessels operate both in the Arctic and Antarctic and ideally, the U.S. would have a fleet of six ice-breakers to meet those needs. One such ship costs an estimated $900 million.

"We have an issue with our ice-breaker fleet. It's atrophying and we run the risk of losing that national capability," Allen said.

As a member of the Committee, Begich is working on Arctic legislation to improve America's ability to deal with climate change in the Arctic. He recently proposed a number of initiatives including new funding for ice-breakers, facilities for Coast Guard operations in the Arctic and making new Virginia-class submarines fully capable to operate in the Arctic.

Begich also supports a proposal mentioned by Allen to transfer the ice-breaker operational budget from the National Science Foundation back to the Coast Guard, where it was moved two years ago. The move was intended to address the scientific mission of the vessels, but with effects of climate change becoming more evident in Alaska, there is growing support in Congress to give the Guard full authority over the ships.

Video of the hearing is available here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQ9l_gWp8mk

Source: Senator Mark Begich