Neslin acknowledged the process takes too long because commission staffing levels haven't kept pace with the growing number of permits.

"We face particular challenges here in Colorado," including drilling in areas of important wildlife habitat, he said. "In Colorado, it would be difficult to do a thorough review in two or three days."

The new regulatory climate could dissuade companies from operating in Colorado, Swartout warned.

"You're going to see a significant drop in investment in the Rocky Mountains. That equates to a loss of jobs in our state — good-paying jobs with health care and benefits," he said.

Several Republican state lawmakers have echoed that concern, saying they intend to push for modifications to the rules.

"We cannot afford to push the energy industry out of Colorado, given the current state of the economy," said Colorado House Minority Leader Mike May to The Denver Post. "And many fear that the proposed rules will do just that."

Environmentalists counter that tourism is a far more important industry in Colorado and that it makes sense to protect the natural assets that draw visitors to the state.

Hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation "are contingent on an environment that's thriving," said Pam Kiely, legislative director for Environment Colorado.

The argument that the rules will contribute to a worsening economy is flawed, said Elise Jones, executive director of the Colorado Environmental Coalition.

"What affects the oil and gas industry is really the price of natural gas, which is set on the national market," Jones said. "It's influenced by things that have nothing to do with whether they have to line waste pits."