(JUNEAU) - The Alaska House of Representatives passed a resolution today, drafted by Representative Mike Hawker (R-Anchorage), urging Congress to open the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) to oil and gas exploration and production. HJR 4 passed the House by a vote of 26 to 4.

"With new legislature convening this year, both here and in Washington, D.C., it is important that one of our first actions be to reaffirm Alaska’s legislative solidarity and support for responsible exploration and development of our most promising oil prospects," said Representative Hawker.

Representative Hawker went on to say, “This resolution mirrors those passed by previous Alaska Legislatures and will be a cornerstone of this legislature’s commitment to responsibly develop our natural resources, promote sustained economic expansion, create good job opportunities for our citizens and assure safe, growing and healthy communities throughout our state.”

The resolution is expected to receive wide support in the Senate as well.

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