Colorado will decide whether a "right to natural gas" is added to state constitution
Summary
Colorado voters will decide in November whether to add a "right to natural gas" to the state constitution. This change could force communities to allow natural gas use and limit efforts to switch to electric appliances to reduce climate impact.Key Facts
- Initiative 177, called the “Right to Natural Gas,” will appear on Colorado’s ballot in November.
- The measure says natural gas producers and utilities have the right to sell gas to homes and businesses.
- The amendment could stop local rules that ban gas appliances in new buildings.
- Opponents worry it will harm Colorado’s climate goals and public health.
- House Democrats tried to add safety protections to the amendment but were blocked by House Republicans.
- Environmental group Conservation Colorado opposes the measure and initially planned other ballot initiatives against fossil fuel companies but dropped them to focus on this.
- Similar laws exist in 26 other states, but Colorado’s measure would be the first to put the right to fossil fuel use in a state constitution.
- Experts say the amendment’s broad language lacks details on public safety or technical considerations.
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