Environmental groups have proposed two ballot measures on oil and gas drilling that are sending shivers through the industry.

One bans anyone employed by the oil and gas industry from serving on the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission.

The other gives county and city governments the authority to regulate oil and gas operations within their boundaries.

"I think they're playing with fire with the state's economy," said Greg Schnacke, executive vice president of the Colorado Oil and Gas Association.

"Colorado is getting a reputation nationwide as not being friendly to oil and gas," he said, adding that such a perception influences investment in the state.

The initiatives were filed with the state on Thursday by Matt Garrington of Environment Colorado and T.J. Brown of the Colorado Environmental Coalition.

"We feel that energy development can happen responsibly while protecting public health and the environment," Garrington said.

But Rep. Cory Gardner, R-Yuma, ripped the proposals.

"It's clearly a part of an ongoing national effort by environmental extremists to halt any resource development in Colorado, the West and across the country," he said.

Gardner predicted that money from "uber liberals" on the East and West coasts will finance the ballot campaigns. If successful, he said, they would "put hundreds of Coloradans out of work and cost the state hundreds of millions of dollars."

But the environmentalists dismissed such predictions, and said they are just trying to find a balance between the industry and natural resources.

bartels@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5327