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Testimony: Implementing U.S. Policy in the Arctic

On July 23, 2014, Dave Westerholm testified before the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure's Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Marine Transportation during a hearing entitled "Implementing U.S. Policy in the Arctic".


As the new Arctic lead for the National Ocean Service, Westerholm represented all of NOAA in his testimony. In his testimony, Westerholm described how NOAA works extensively with partners to support Arctic coastal intelligence and U.S. interests while ensuring safe and responsible operations. A majority of the questions addressed to the witnesses were related to U.S. icebreaking capabilities. In responding to the Committee's questions, Westerholm emphasized how NOAA's research and scientific needs could be strengthened with greater icebreaking capabilities. The topic of Arctic oil spill response was also raised multiple times during the hearing.

For further information, contact Emory.Wellman@noaa.gov.

Listen to a video recording of the hearing.

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Last updated Thursday, March 23, 2023 3:49pm PDT