Homer Alaska - Business

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.