Following a new economic forecast showing that oil and gas exploration is helping drive Colorado's economy--as well as the state budget--top Senate Republicans are calling on the Ritter administration to end its "assault" on the energy industry.

Sen. Josh Penry, R-Grand Junction

The Republicans accused Gov. Bill Ritter of waging war on energy exploration at a time when it is credited with creating some of the state's highest-paying new jobs, helping America pursue energy independence and generating surging tax revenue to the state.

"This administration seems to be waging war on one of the few sectors of Colorado's economy that is booming right now," said Senate GOP chief Andy McElhany. "What's worse, they have launched an assault on the industry that is almost singlehandedly shoring up the state budget during a recession."

Severance tax revenue from oil and gas production in Colorado has jumped nearly 20 percent over last year, to some $173 million. Next year, that figure is projected to more than double--to $356 million.

"These latest projections confirm what we've known for a while: Colorado's budget would be a mess without a thriving natural gas sector," said the GOP's Sen. Josh Penry, of Grand Junction.