Aloha State News

REYKJAVÍK, ICELAND – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) have embarked on a congressional delegation mission to Iceland. The delegation will meet with host nation government officials and U.S. diplomats to discuss the importance of maintaining and strengthening U.S.-Iceland ties and the NATO Alliance. The senators will also meet with researchers and business leaders to discuss global cooperation to address climate change and boost clean energy production. The delegation will also address global issues of mutual interest and concern, including energy security, Arctic priorities, and more.

“This mission will give us an opportunity to hear directly from our friends in Iceland about their work to fight climate change and the economic opportunities clean energy presents,” said Senator Schatz. “As a fellow founding member of NATO, we look forward to discussing ways to strengthen the important bilateral economic and security ties our two countries share.”

“Iceland is one of America’s strongest partners in the Arctic, and it’s always invigorating to sit down face to face to discuss our common challenges,” said Senator Murkowski. “I’ve had the opportunity to visit Iceland many times over the years and I’m pleased to introduce several of my colleagues to this amazing country as we work to further our Arctic partnership. Iceland and the U.S. have opportunities to strengthen our ties, and work together on energy innovation, ocean sciences, and sustainable fisheries.”

“We need to do everything we can to meet our climate goals, secure our supply chains, and accelerate our transition to a clean energy economy — and Iceland is demonstrating that building a clean energy economy is not only possible, but that it comes with enormous economic opportunities. I’m looking forward to seeing first-hand how Iceland is advancing cutting-edge technologies that help fight climate change and to strengthening ties with our important NATO ally,” said Senator Bennet.

“Climate change is no longer a future threat – we’re seeing the impact every day in the form of record-shattering heatwaves, floods, wildfires and more,” said Senator Smith. “We need all hands on deck if we’re serious about addressing this crisis, which is why working with our allies in Iceland and around the world is so important. I look forward to working together on ways we accelerate clean energy innovation, protect the Arctic, and bolster global energy security.”

Original source can be found here.