Colorado Ballot Measure Would Protect Natural Gas Use and Sales
Colorado voters will decide on Amendment 82, which would enshrine the right to use natural gas for heating and cooking and allow utilities and oil and gas companies to sell it. Supporters say the measure defends affordable, reliable energy against state restrictions, while opponents argue it would give special constitutional protection to a polluting industry. The oil and gas industry has stayed neutral, and opponents have raised more money than the campaign behind the amendment.
Amendment 82 is set for Colorado’s Nov. 3 general election ballot. It would make natural gas use for heating and cooking a constitutional right in homes and businesses, while also shielding the ability of utilities and oil and gas companies to sell the fuel. Advance Colorado, a conservative group backed by dark money, led the push.
The oil and gas sector has remained neutral, with API Colorado saying it neither proposed nor funded the campaign. Opponents have outraised supporters. A 2024 truce among lawmakers, industry and environmentalists paused new regulatory legislation. Supporters cite Clean Heat Plan emissions targets and claim electrification could raise household utility bills by about $1,100 yearly.
If adopted, Amendment 82 could limit how state and local officials regulate natural gas, affecting homeowners, renters, utilities, and energy companies. It may also influence Colorado’s efforts to cut building emissions and indoor air pollution. If rejected, existing Clean Heat planning and utility rules may continue. The vote could signal how Coloradans weigh energy affordability and reliability against environmental and health concerns.