Colorado oil and gas supporters fight regulations

Oil and gas supporters fighting proposals to ban drilling in Colorado cities

Supporters of fracking climb the steps for a rally at the Capitol in Denver on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012. The rally hosted by the greater Colorado business community was held to show support that oil and gas can and should be developed responsibly in Colorado. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)

DENVER (AP) -- Colorado business groups are rallying against a measure approved by Longmont voters banning hydraulic fracturing in their city.

Leaders of chambers of commerce from the Denver area were among about 200 hundred people who gathered at the Capitol on Tuesday to show their support for the oil and gas industry. They say energy can be developed responsibly and help the Colorado economy.

Longmont voters approved the ban in last week's election.

The Denver Post reports that residents in Aurora, Commerce City, Denver, Fort Collins, Lafayette and Louisville are working to introduce similar bans in their communities.

Colorado Oil and Gas Association officials say that Longmont's ban ignores community needs for oil and gas products, including electricity, commerce and transportation.