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EO 13689Executive OrderObama · D

Executive Order 13689

Enhancing Coordination of National Efforts in the Arctic

This executive order establishes an Arctic Executive Steering Committee to coordinate federal Arctic policy across agencies during the U.S. chairmanship of the Arctic Council. It mandates improved interagency coordination, tribal consultation with Alaska Native governments, and a report identifying overlaps and gaps in Arctic policy implementation.

Federal Register Open PDF 80 FR 4191

Impact dates

  1. Working group report due to Steering Committee on agency overlaps, duplication, and gaps

Key directives

  • Establish Arctic Executive Steering Committee with OSTP Director as Chair
  • Steering Committee to meet quarterly
  • Working group to report by May 1, 2015 on agency overlaps and gaps
  • Develop process for coordination with State of Alaska and Alaska Native tribal governments
  • Establish tribal consultation process consistent with November 5, 2009 memorandum
  • Identify federal point of contact for Alaska state and tribal governments
  • Coordinate implementation of NSPD-66/HSPD-25 and National Strategy for the Arctic Region

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Arctic Executive Steering Committee established
  • Director of OSTP designated as Chair, Assistant to President for National Security Affairs as Vice Chair

Near term (90d)

  • Working group report due May 1, 2015 on agency overlaps, duplication, and gaps in Arctic policy implementation

Long term

  • Ongoing quarterly Steering Committee meetings
  • Continued coordination through U.S. Arctic Council Chairmanship
  • Development of consultation processes with Alaska Native governments

Risks & tensions

  • No dedicated funding appropriated; implementation 'subject to availability of appropriations' may limit effectiveness
  • Vague 'as appropriate' language throughout may permit inconsistent engagement with tribal governments
  • Large membership (15+ agencies) risks bureaucratic inefficiency without clear decision-making authority
  • U.S. Arctic Council Chairmanship was time-limited (2015-2017), creating uncertainty about long-term priority
  • No enforcement mechanism for agency compliance with Steering Committee guidance
Executive Order 13689: Enhancing Coordination of National Efforts in the Arctic · Executive Orders