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Senator Murkowski Meets with New Arctic Representative

Senator Murkowski's Office

Senator Lisa Murkowski met this week with the United States’ first Special Representative to the Arctic, Admiral Robert Papp.  Murkowski and Papp spoke about his priorities in the Arctic.

Admiral Papp started his Coast Guard career 40 years ago in Adak.  He admitted that his knowledge of Alaska was limited.  However, Papp said whenever he visited he would meet the people in the towns he stayed in to learn more. He said in the last four year he has visited Alaska to learn the culture of Alaska and learn as much as he can.

“We’ve seen the challenges that people are facing up there, we’ve seen the impact of the change in climate. And it’s giving me an idea for some of the things that are going to have to be done in the future to make sure we protect the environment while making it adaptable for increased human usage.”

Papp said his job will include looking to the people of Alaska for their concerns. He said his first priority when he gets to Alaska will be to discuss issues facing the council.

“This can’t be something that’s done unilaterally. Our objectives have to be discussed across the inner agencies here in Washington and then we have to listen to the people of Alaska and see how the things will impact them and what input and suggestions they might have. Then we take it to the Arctic nations and we start trying to gain their consensus on those things that we want to achieve over the next two years.”

Murkowski said she is excited to see Admiral Papp as an Arctic Representative.  She believes Papp understands how the United States and, on a more narrowed scope, Alaska fit into the international Arctic discussion.