Itta named to Arctic Research Commission

President Obama has appointed prominent Barrow resident Edward Itta to the U.S. Arctic Research Commission, the federal agency that provides the president with reports and advice on arctic research. Itta, a member and past commissioner of the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission, was mayor of the North Slope Borough between 2005 and 2011, during which time he was at the center of negotiations between Shell and North Slope communities over Shell’s plans for Arctic outer continental shelf exploration.

Fran Ulmer, the current chair of the Arctic Research Commission, lauded the appointment.

“Edward Itta is a respected leader who knows the Arctic through a lifetime of first-hand experience,” she said.

And Alaska’s two U.S. senators expressed their support for the president’s choice of commission member.

“As mayor of the North Slope Borough, Edward demonstrated his ability to bring people together from all sectors of government, business and science to reap benefits — and I know he will continue to do so on a national scale for the USARC,” said Sen. Lisa Murkowski. “Selecting Mayor Itta is an excellent choice for a prominent position that grows more important with every passing month.”

Sen. Mark Begich said that he had recommended Itta to the White House.

“Edward Itta has been an excellent leader and voice for Native communities, always advocating for economic development while protecting subsistence,” Begich said. “His impressive resume of service to the North Slope Borough and his work with the whaling community will allow him to offer great insight to the commission. As the Arctic grows as a focus of resource development and research activity, Mr. Itta will be a critical voice for residents of the Arctic.”

The president has also appointed James McCarthy, a scientist specializing in marine systems and climate, to the commission.

—Alan Bailey