Federal efforts to coalesce around an integrated Arctic strategy continue with the release of the US Department of Energy Arctic Strategy. The DOE has intensified its Arctic engagement in recent years starting with the 2020 reactivation of its Arctic Energy Office at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
The reports builds on the standard vision of the Arctic as “…a secure and stable region where U.S. interests are safeguarded, the U.S. homeland is protected, and Arctic states work cooperatively to address shared challenges.” It lists a number of “foundational principles” emphasizing collaboration with various actors and alignment with the major planks of President Biden’s December 2021 Federal Sustainability Plan established by his Executive Order 14057 (slightly shorter fact sheet here):
- Establish a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035;
- Achieve a net-zero carbon emissions economy by 2050; and
- Ensure that disadvantaged communities realize at least 40 percent of the overall benefits from clean energy investments.
The strategic goals of the document are:
- DOE will lead and partner to advance the decarbonization, resilience, and equity of the Arctic energy sector and broader economy.
- DOE will lead and partner to advance the scientific understanding of Arctic challenges.
- DOE will lead and partner to ensure Arctic security.
Each goal has four sub-goals that the bulk of the 27-page document addresses in more detail.