Amendment 82: Constitutional Right to Purchase and Sell Natural Gas
NCSL lists initiative number; official ballot designation differs (mapped by title)
CO has no rebuttals; Blue Book arguments are written by Legislative Council Staff.
Page numbers/running headers removed from extracted text.
Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado Constitution creating new law granting the right for consumers to purchase natural gas for cooking or heating in homes or businesses and for distributors and utilities to sell natural gas to consumers?
A “yes” vote on Amendment 82 establishes a state constitutional right to purchase and sell natural gas for use in homes and businesses.
A “no” vote on Amendment 82 maintains current law and regulations related to the purchase and sale of natural gas.
Not published by the state
State Spending The measure may minimally increase expenditures for state agencies, primarily the Department of Local Affairs, to revise technical assistance to local governments concerning building codes that conflict with the right to purchase or sell natural gas. The measure may also increase workload and legal services for state agencies that regulate or monitor emissions from natural gas utilities or intervene in those cases, including the Public Utilities Commission, the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Public Health and Environment, and the Colorado Energy Office. Local Government Spending Local governments that currently have or are considering building codes that regulate, prohibit or restrict natural gas in commercial and residential development may have increased legal services and costs to conform the codes with state law, and to modify permitting, inspection, and compliance activities.
1) Natural gas is an affordable and widely available energy source that reliably heats homes and businesses, including during periods of extreme cold. Natural gas appliances are proven technologies, and most households in Colorado rely on natural gas as their primary heating source. This measure will ensure continued access to natural gas without interference from state or local governments.
Colorado Legislative Council Staff (Blue Book; arguments are prepared by nonpartisan staff with public comment, not signed by proponents)
1) Using natural gas contributes to climate change through emitting greenhouse gases, leads to air pollution, and should not be protected in the state constitution. Doing so limits efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and adopt more sustainable options, such as wind, solar, and geothermal energy. Local communities should have the ability to make decisions about public health priorities, energy needs, and climate goals.
Colorado Legislative Council Staff (Blue Book)
Both columns use the same layout. Text is quoted from the official state guide. Views expressed belong to the argument authors.