A Maine voice in the Arctic

By U.S. Sen. Angus King
(I-Maine)

    On the evening of March 4th, Patrick Arnold of the Maine Port Authority was all set to fly from Portland to Washington, D.C. to testify the next day before the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources about the emerging opportunities in the Arctic region. But the Arctic-like weather had other plans, and his flight was canceled.

    If Mr. Arnold was going to make it down to Washington in time for the hearing, he needed to act quickly. So he hopped on a bus to Boston, and then caught an overnight train to the capital.
    It was an unglamorous and unexpected journey, but it got him to the Senate in time to share his insightful perspective on the changes in the Arctic region – and what those changes mean for Maine and for the United States.
    When the Energy Committee staff, due to Maine’s leadership on the issue, asked my office for suggested witnesses to testify at the “United States Arctic Opportunities Hearing,” Mr. Arnold’s name immediately came to mind.
    As the Director of Operations and Business Development for the Maine Port Authority, he understands how the U.S. must adapt to environmental changes in the Arctic, and how the resulting increased shipping will change the dynamics not only of the region but also of the global economy.
    A graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Mr. Arnold has worked as a navigation officer on cruise ships and collaborated on market analysis with the Panama Canal Authority. He has also played a big role in attracting the Icelandic shipping company Eimskip to Portland, bringing valued commerce to our state.
    Mr. Arnold’s extensive experience in the shipping industry – both in Maine and internationally – was on full display during the Arctic hearing. He discussed the opening trade lanes in the region, and the opportunities for expanded cooperation and prosperity that accompany them, given Maine’s geographic position as the closest East Coast port to the Arctic.
    He and I both agree that the U.S. needs to lead in the region, and that Maine can play an important role in that process. It was fantastic to have such a strong, home-state voice lay out the practical implications of the changes we’re seeing in the High North.
    To be sure, we need to do what we can to slow the process of climate change and protect our environment, but as Mr. Arnold pointed out, we also need to work together to seize the new opportunities that accompany the changes – while working to slow our impact on climate change, we must also adapt to its realities.
    That will take increased U.S. engagement and investment in the region, and that is why I’ve joined with Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska to form the Senate Arctic Caucus. Together, we will work with our colleagues in Congress to raise awareness and, hopefully, inspire our country to lead in this dynamic part of the world.
    As we look to expand our role in the Arctic, we can look to Patrick Arnold’s bumpy journey to Washington for inspiration. When confronted with a challenge, Mr. Arnold adapted.
    And that’s exactly what we as a country need to do in the face of a quickly changing Arctic.