HJR 19 Summary: Arctic Marine Safety Agreements

• Commends the Arctic Waterways Safety Committee, formed by marine mammal hunting groups, Arctic municipalities, and ship operators, for promoting safe and environmentally responsible Arctic shipping operations

• Supports adoption of spill prevention measures into international agreements, including vessel tracking and monitoring, prescribed routing, immediate power/steering loss notification, towing package prepositioning, and marine mammal resource protection

• Notes that only 20 percent of spilled oil is recovered under best circumstances, emphasizing the critical importance of prevention over response capabilities in the Arctic

• Urges the President and Department of State to negotiate international agreements with Alaska's coastal neighbors for safe Arctic marine operations

• Directs copies of the resolution to be sent to the President, Vice President, Congress leadership, and all members of the 115th United States Congress