# Industry Groups Touted Gas as a “Constitutional Right.” These Voters Weren’t Having It.

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/industry-groups-touted-gas-as-a-constitutional-right-these-voters-werent-having-it/
- Published: 2026-11-13T20:30:32+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-13T21:42:41+00:00
- Original publisher: Mother Jones (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2026/11/amendment-82-colorado-natural-gas-constitutional-right-defeated-utilities-lawsuit-dte-free-speech/
- Topics: Elections, Politics

## Key points

- Colorado rejected a proposed constitutional right to natural gas.
- The amendment lost by more than seven percentage points.
- Gas firms would have gained a tool to challenge climate policies.

## Summary

Colorado voters rejected Amendment 82 by more than seven percentage points, turning down a proposal to establish a constitutional right to buy and sell natural gas. The result blocks a potential legal tool for gas companies to challenge state and local policies aimed at cutting fossil fuel use, as Colorado pursues net-zero emissions by mid-century.

The measure was backed by Advance Colorado, a conservative advocacy group that does not have to disclose its funders, and framed as protecting consumer choice. Natural gas already heats about 70 per cent of Colorado’s buildings; however, it is largely methane, a potent heat-trapping gas, and household appliances can release pollutants linked to health risks. The campaign came as industry groups were also challenging a state law requiring warning labels on gas stoves.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.