Adm. Thad Allen, Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, issued the following statement on Jan. 12 on the new Arctic policy National Security Presidential Directive / Homeland Security Presidential Directive (NSPD/HSPD).
"The new Arctic policy signed by the President today re-affirms our Nation's obligation to protect the Arctic domain, its environment, and those who work and live in it. The retreat of annual sea ice has created new areas of open water where the Coast Guard has statutory responsibilities. The new policy is recognition of changing conditions in the Arctic region and the implications for our Nation. This directive will guide our current operational activities in the region and guide the allocation of current and future resources to meet mission demands. We look forward to continuing to work closely with our interagency partners, the people of Alaska and the Arctic nations to ensure safe, secure and sustainable activities in the Arctic region."