Homer Alaska - Business

Story last updated at 10:47 AM on Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Lawmaker group backs ANWR drilling

JUNEAU (AP) — The National Conference of State Legislatures will advocate for drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

Legislators from around the country earlier this month voted to make oil and gas development on the coastal plain of the refuge a policy directive for the group.

It was the first time the measure has passed, after votes in past years. Jon Kuhl, a spokesman for the conference, says the group will now lobby the federal government on the position.

The issue will be voted on again at a legislative summit next summer.

The measure, carried by Republican state Rep. Dan Saddler of Eagle River, calls for opening ANWR as a way to reduce dependence on foreign oil.

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