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;

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;

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;

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

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.

changes in the mission and management of NARL necessary to accomplish the research and policy goals addressed in the study;

the appropriate Federal agency or agencies that should have primary responsibility for management of NARL;

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

the appropriate level of Federal funding for scientific and technological research on the Arctic environment and its uses.