§ 3147. — Arctic research study.
[Laws in effect as of January 24, 2002]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
January 24, 2002 and December 19, 2002]
[CITE: 16USC3147]
TITLE 16--CONSERVATION
CHAPTER 51--ALASKA NATIONAL INTEREST LANDS CONSERVATION
SUBCHAPTER III--FEDERAL NORTH SLOPE LANDS STUDIES, OIL AND GAS LEASING
PROGRAM AND MINERAL ASSESSMENTS
Sec. 3147. Arctic research study
(a) Mission, facilities, and administration of Naval Arctic Research
Laboratory
The Secretary, the Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of Energy
shall initiate and carry out a study of the mission, facilities and
administration of the Naval Arctic Research Laboratory (NARL), at Point
Barrow, Alaska. The study shall review the historical responsibilities
carried out at NARL and their contribution to applied and basic Arctic
research. The study shall specifically address and the Secretary shall
make recommendations on the need for redirecting the United States
Arctic research policy and the role of the NARL facilities in developing
and implementing that policy.
(b) Assessment of future uses of NARL
The Secretaries shall assess the future use of NARL in--
(1) developing relevant scientific information on the Arctic
environment and utilizing applied research to (A) deal with the
unique problems the Arctic presents in providing public services;
(B) minimize the impact of resource development on the environment
and the culture of the Native people; and (C) promote international
cooperation among the Nations which share responsibility for the
Arctic environment;
(2) assessing the impact of oil and gas exploration,
development, and transportation on the Arctic environment, including
impact on fish, marine and land mammals, and migratory waterfowl;
(3) developing advanced design technologies, operational
practices, and transportation systems to improve the environmental
safety and efficiency of oil and gas exploration and production in
the Arctic, including offshore activities;
(4) enlarging the body of knowledge on Arctic ice conditions and
developing practical and efficient means of dealing with potential
oil spills and other hazards associated with resource development in
Alaska's Arctic; and
(5) developing a comprehensive Arctic policy for the Federal
Government that will accommodate the need for development and use of
Arctic resources with appropriate recognition and consideration
given to the unique nature of the Arctic environment and the needs
of its Native residents.
(c) Recommendations
After completion of the study, the Secretaries shall make
recommendations on--
(1) changes in the mission and management of NARL necessary to
accomplish the research and policy goals addressed in the study;
(2) the appropriate Federal agency or agencies that should have
primary responsibility for management of NARL;
(3) changes in the organizational structure of NARL that would
allow greater involvement by State and private organizations in the
use, management and/or funding of NARL; and
(4) the appropriate level of Federal funding for scientific and
technological research on the Arctic environment and its uses.
(d) Consultations; opportunity for public review and comment
In the course of the study, the Secretaries shall consult with
representatives of the Department of Navy, the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, the National Science Foundation, the
Smithsonian Institution, the State of Alaska, local governments,
representatives of public and private institutions conducting Arctic
research, and Native Village and Regional Corporations in the areas now
affected by the activities of NARL. The Secretaries shall provide an
opportunity for public review and comment on the draft report and
proposed recommendations prior to final approval, and shall include any
recommendations of the local community in the final study.
(e) Submission of study to Congress
The Secretaries shall submit the study and their recommendations to
the Congress no later than one year after December 2, 1980.
(f) Continuation of level of funding for NARL
Pending submission of the study to the Congress, the President is
directed to continue the operation of NARL at the level of funding
provided for in fiscal year 1979.
(Pub. L. 96-487, title X, Sec. 1007, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2453.)
