(JUNEAU) - A resolution urging the United States Congress to open the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil exploration was passed by the Legislature today.

Congress is currently considering legislation to open ANWR in an environmentally responsible manner that protects the Porcupine Caribou herd, reduces America's dependence on foreign oil and creates new jobs for Alaskans.

SJR 2 originated in the Senate Resources Committee. Chairman Sen. Tom Wagoner (R - Kenai) said, "We can be assured that President Bush will sign ANWR into law if it hits his desk. The President is a former Alaskan who understands Alaska's commitment to environmentally safe oil and gas production."

"We feel that we have shown from exemplary development on the North Slope that Alaska can responsibly develop our resources for the benefit of both Alaska and America," said House Resources Committee Co-Chair Ralph Samuels (R - Anchorage).

"This resolution is critical to getting the message across in Congress that Alaskans want ANWR opened. Putting more oil in the Trans Alaska Pipeline keeps that national asset in business and makes the nation's oil supply more secure," said Senate President Ben Stevens (R - Anchorage) today.

Representative Mike Hawker (R - Anchorage) said, "Alaska's legislature has once again committed to support responsible development of our state's vast resource potential. We will continue sending our message supporting the opening of ANWR to Washington, D.C. until we get the job done."

U.S. Senators Pete Domenici and Lisa Murkowski will take several members of Congress and the Bush administration on a trip to the North Slope this weekend to show them how well Alaska's oil industry is operated and to visit ANWR and the village of Kaktovik.

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