Natural-gas producers feel like they're under "heavy attack" in Colorado, the president of their main trade group said Tuesday. Jay Still, president of the Colorado Oil and Gas Association, said the industry's 2008 agenda has three main parts: coping with a Durango water judge's ruling that could force coal-bed methane wells to get water permits; curbing the toughest parts of new rules being considered by the Oil and Gas Conservation Commission; and fighting a tax increase. "What lies in front of us is a lot of uncertainty, and we're very nervous about it," said Still, who is also an executive with Pioneer Natural Resources.  The water court decision by Durango-based Judge Gregory Lyman is on appeal to the state Supreme Court. No matter what happens in the case, Still said he expects legislators to take up the topic early next year. He's hoping for a bill that exempts the oil and gas industry from water regulation in the same way the mining industry has won some exemptions.

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