The Arctic Policy Act and the SEAL Act would help develop U.S. Arctic strategies, especially around shipping.

A pair of bills due to be introduced in Congress later this year could help strengthen the United States’ role in the Arctic, say backers.

The two bills — the Arctic Policy Act (APA) and the Shipping and Environmental Arctic Leadership Act (SEAL Act) — were both introduced late last year, but saw little movement before the session ended.

Alaska Sen. Murkowski, a Republican, plans to reintroduce them this spring.

Addressing the Alaska State Legislature on February 19, Murkowski framed both pieces of legislation as ways to shore up resources for Alaska and to compete on an increasingly international stage. Read more at ArcticToday.