GOP legislators called on U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar this week to stop opposing energy development in the U.S. and urged him to start taking real action on the energy situation facing Colorado.

Several state legislators, including Senate Minority Leader Andy McElhany, Assistant Senate Minority Leader Nancy Spence, and Senate Caucus Chairman Mike Kopp, sent Salazar a letter Wednesday asking him to reconsider his opposition to energy development in the U.S. Salazar has gone on record opposing the development of oil supplies, off shore.

State Sen. Mike Kopp, expressed his frustration with Salazar over his refusal to take the lead on energy development.

"Ken Salazar has missed a golden opportunity to become Colorado's quarterback for common sense energy policy," he said. "He could be genuinely helping families meet their budgets for gas and utility bills, but I guess he would rather be a punter than a quarterback."

Sen. Salazar has been the center of national attention with thousands of people logging on to YouTube to watch him on the Senate floor objecting to expanded energy development. The video shows Salazar continuing to object even if gasoline prices rise as high as $10 a gallon.

The GOP members criticized Salazar for his position on energy issues and pointed to a series of what they call energy-obstructing efforts by the senator.  Salazar has opposed development on Colorado’s Roan Plateau and the Vermillion Basin. He has also opposed allowing environmental rules to be established so the feasibility of commercial oil shale production can be determined.

The letter also states that Salazars opposition to the development of energy in America places an unneeded burden on Colorado’s working families.  In the letter the GOP says that by developing America’s energy resources, it will provide much needed relief to families who are struggling to pay their energy bills.