A Montrose lawmaker who assumed that he had been reappointed to an international energy council bought an airplane ticket to the group's meeting in Washington, D.C., for later this month.

But Republican Rep. Ray Rose wasn't reappointed by Speaker Andrew Romanoff, D-Denver.

Romanoff informed Minority Leader Mike May, R-Parker, of his decision in a letter sent to May and others in January, but May's office said he never got it.

Rose said he is furious that Romanoff named two Democrats to the Energy Council and that the state Senate also reappointed only Democrats.

"I'm angry, I'm truly angry," Rose said Thursday. "It smacks of partisanship at the highest level."

May had recommended to the speaker that Rose stay on the Energy Council.

Traditionally, once lawmakers are appointed to the group, they are allowed to remain if they wish.

Romanoff noted that he has made more bipartisan appointments than any speaker in recent history. In some cases, only Republicans have been appointed to committees, he said.

And Romanoff said that under House rules, lawmakers can't make travel reservations that are paid for by the state without first getting approval. Rose did not.

"We have an 'ask permission, not beg forgiveness' policy," Romanoff said.

If Rose were still on the council and had requested permission to travel, Romanoff said he would have said no.

The speaker said he doesn't believe that lawmakers should travel at state expense when the legislature is in session.

The Energy Council provides a forum for energy and environmental-protection issues.