The Arctic Policy Commission is now taking membership applications.

The body was created by the legislature this year, and it has been tasked with coming up with an official strategy for Alaska’s arctic operations. The 20 members will hash out how the state should handle offshore drilling efforts, manage increased marine traffic, and protect fisheries and wildlife in the region. While legislators will make up a third of the committee, the rest of the commission will be composed of stakeholders from Native groups, the oil and gas industry, coastal communities, and conservation groups, among others. Senate President Gary Stevens and Speaker of the House Mike Chenault will make these appointments.

The Arctic Policy Commission in effect replaces the Northern Waters Task Force, a similar body that Unalaska City Manager Chris Hladick served on. The commission will hold meetings across Alaska, getting feedback on how the state should best manage the changes happening in the Arctic. It will release its final policy recommendations in 2015.