AK SCR11

Designates August 18, 2012, as Walter J. Hickel Day of the Arctic to honor the former Alaska governor and U.S. Secretary of the Interior.

Recognizes Hickel's service as Alaska Governor during two terms (1966-1969 and 1990-1994) and as U.S. Secretary of the Interior under President Nixon (1969-1970).

Credits Hickel with securing 103,000,000 acres of land for Alaska during statehood, opening Prudhoe Bay to oil development, overseeing the Trans Alaska Pipeline permitting process, and negotiating the settlement of Alaska Native land claims.

Acknowledges his $1,000,000,000 Exxon Valdez damage settlement, establishment of the Alaska SeaLife Center, and advocacy for community development quotas and protection of Alaska's fisheries during his second gubernatorial term.

Honors Hickel's founding of Commonwealth North, the Northern Forum, and the Institute of the North, as well as his lifetime advocacy for Arctic development and Alaska's role as an "Owner State" with local control over natural resources.