§3147 Arctic research study

Summary

The Secretary, the Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of Energy must start and carry out a study of the Naval Arctic Research Laboratory (NARL) at Point Barrow, Alaska. They must look at NARL’s mission, buildings, and management, and review what it has done for basic and applied Arctic research. The study must say whether U.S. Arctic research policy needs to change and what role NARL should have in that policy. The study must assess five main areas: using NARL to gather Arctic science and help public services, protect the environment and Native cultures, and work with other Arctic nations; effects of oil and gas activity on wildlife; better design, operations, and transport methods for safer Arctic energy work; ice conditions and ways to handle oil spills and hazards; and a federal Arctic policy that balances development with environmental and Native needs. After the study, the Secretaries must recommend changes in NARL’s mission, who should manage it, ways to involve State and private groups, and the right federal funding level. They must consult with listed federal agencies, the State of Alaska, local governments, research institutions, and Native village and regional corporations, allow public review of a draft report, and include local community recommendations. The report and recommendations must go to Congress no later than one year after December 2, 1980. Until then, the President must keep NARL operating at the fiscal year 1979 funding level.