Colorado Amendment 82 proposes constitutional right to natural gas

Colorado voters will decide on Amendment 82, a ballot measure that would establish a constitutional right to use natural gas for heating and cooking in homes and businesses. If passed, the amendment would also grant oil and gas companies and utilities, such as Xcel Energy, the constitutional right to sell natural gas.

Supporters, including the conservative group Advance Colorado, argue that natural gas provides an economical and reliable energy source and view the measure as a way to prevent government overreach. Opponents, including various environmental groups and elected officials, contend that the amendment is a tactic by the fossil fuel industry to prevent the transition to renewable energy and protect polluters. Critics also warn that the measure could lead to increased costs for utility customers and contribute to climate change by enshrining methane gas use in the state constitution.