BSEE selects tribal liaison for Alaska

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, or BSEE, the federal agency responsible for regulatory enforcement on the outer continental shelf, has appointed Jack Lorrigan, a tribal citizen of the Sitka tribe of Alaska, as the agency’s tribal and community liaison for the Alaska region. Lorrigan, who was the Sitka tribal biologist for 10 years, will be responsible for developing a communications strategy with Alaska tribal governments affected by offshore energy development, BSEE says.

Lorrigan will maintain regular contacts with the leaders of Alaska Native organizations, tribal governments, community-based organizations and Native communities, keeping these organizations appraised of offshore activities and facilitating communications with BSEE leadership. His responsibilities will include ensuring that the BSEE regional director and staff are aware of any issues involving Native organizations and communities that may impact offshore operations.

Lorrigan will also develop opportunities in Alaska for students from the Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program, a University of Alaska Anchorage program specializing in advanced science and engineering for village youth.

BSEE says that Lorrigan has previously worked with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Forest Service, private non-profit hatchery organizations and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

- Alan Bailey