Amendment 82: Constitutional Right to Purchase and Sell Natural Gas
On every Colorado ballot · November 3, 2026
The question on your ballot
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?
In plain language
A VoterDecoder summary of the official measure text.
Amendment 82 would create a constitutional right for consumers to buy natural gas for cooking or heating in homes and businesses. It would also create a constitutional right for utilities and distributors to sell it to consumers. A YES vote puts these rights in the state constitution. That may limit state or local governments' power to enforce existing or future natural gas rules. A NO vote keeps current law and regulations on natural gas.
Fiscal impact
The state may minimally increase spending. Most of it would be at the Department of Local Affairs, to revise technical help for local governments on building codes that conflict with the right. Agencies that monitor natural gas utility emissions, such as the Public Utilities Commission, may have more work and legal costs. Some local governments may face higher legal costs to bring their codes into line with state law.
Official explanation
What is natural gas and how is it currently used in homes and businesses?
Natural gas is a fossil fuel comprised primarily of methane. It can be used to power appliances such as furnaces, water heaters, clothes dryers, stoves, and ovens for both residential and commercial properties. Other common household energy sources in Colorado include electricity and propane, which can be used to power these same appliances.
Does Colorado currently regulate natural gas for use in homes and businesses?
The state regulates investor-owned natural gas utilities through the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), including rates, safety, and clean heat plans. In December 2025, the PUC issued a rule requiring these utilities to submit plans for a 41 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035, compared to 2015 levels, which align with emission targets in state law. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment regulates air pollution and sets emissions standards for natural gas appliances. Local governments may also regulate the installation and repair of natural gas service, delivery, pipelines, and appliances. Several municipalities in Colorado have restricted the installation of natural gas appliances in new construction or certain renovation projects. For example, the Town of Crested Butte recently updated its building code, requiring that new residential buildings use electricity for heating, hot water heaters, and other appliances.
Will the measure change natural gas laws in Colorado?
This measure will establish the right to purchase and sell natural gas for homes and businesses in the state constitution. By doing so, it may limit the ability for state or local governments to enforce existing or future regulations related to natural gas.
FINANCIAL IMPACT STATEMENT
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.
Official ballot arguments
Filed for the official voter guide by each side, printed as submitted.
Argument in favor
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.
Argument against
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.
What supporters and opponents say — outside sources (not official ballot arguments)
Statements by campaigns, officials and news coverage, quoted with attribution and linked to the original. VoterDecoder did not write them and does not endorse either side.
Supporters say
No public statements in favor were found.
Opponents say
No public statements against were found.