The aims of the chapter are two-fold. First, to explain the reality of the Oil Spill Agreement and what ig might meand for future agreements. Second, to assess the balance between international and national governance in the Arctic, and where the Arctic Council fits into this framework. The chapter examens the substance of the agreement, presents a brief history of the Arctic Council and provide detail of the Arctic Council's evolution from a collaborative entity tasked with protecting the environment in the North to an arena where states can negotiate binding international agreements.