A ballot measure proposed by a conservative nonprofit aims to amend the Colorado Constitution, potentially securing fossil fuel companies’ rights to sell methane gas. This could affect communities working to phase out gas appliances in new constructions.
Advance Colorado, the organization behind the measure, submitted its petition on June 25 to include Initiative 177, known as the “Right to Natural Gas,” on the November ballot.
The measure’s concise 60-word language raises concerns about implementation and its impact on Colorado’s climate goals. Many fear it could alter building codes that favor electrification.
The proposal states that “producers and utilities have the right to sell natural gas to homes and businesses,” potentially reversing progress toward electric heating and cooking.
“It’s an attempt to lock fossil fuel profits into the state constitution,” remarked Kelly Nordini, CEO of Conservation Colorado. “It’s detrimental to finances, clean air, and water, with no health or safety provisions.”
House Democrats and Conservation Colorado opposed the measure. Democrats suggested a bill to safeguard public health and safety regarding the gas amendment, but House Republicans stalled it, preventing its introduction.
In response, Conservation Colorado initially filed four ballot initiatives targeting oil and gas companies. They later redirected their efforts to opposing the natural gas measure.
Advance Colorado declined to comment. However, their April report critiqued “burdensome” regulations affecting consumers and argued that energy choice should be protected. The report warned that decarbonization could impact Colorado negatively.
Other states have pursued similar measures to maintain methane gas usage. From 2020 to 2024, 26 states enacted bans on transitioning away from methane gas. For instance, Utah’s 2021 law banned restrictions on gas utility connections.
The Colorado measure is unique, being the first constitutional amendment of its kind. It lacks provisions for public safety, unlike legislation in other areas, explained Michael Burger, executive director at the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law.
Ballot measures are increasingly utilized by conservatives in Colorado to bypass a predominantly Democrat legislature. Historically, such measures have been leveraged when legislative support is lacking.
Low voter turnout in local and state elections means funding can heavily influence outcomes. Over $1,000,000 was spent on signature collection for the natural gas initiative, according to campaign finance disclosures.
In the past three years, conservative groups have spent over $8.6 million on ballot initiatives. Since 2023, four nonprofits have accounted for nearly all of the $10,000,000 reported in spending for ballot canvassing in the state.
Advance Colorado is notably funded, although it doesn’t disclose its donors, raising concerns about the measure’s backers. “Who’s behind this?” Nordini asked. “We have no idea.”
Oil and gas have wielded significant influence in Colorado politics. According to lobbying disclosures, Chevron, Civitas, and Kinder Morgan registered 21 lobbyists in 2025, while the state’s largest employers had only eight.
Civitas, the American Petroleum Institute, and the Colorado Oil and Gas Association lobbied for HB23-1127, a bill similar to the natural gas amendment, which was ultimately unsuccessful.
The natural gas measure arises amidst efforts to cut carbon emissions from gas in the state. Colorado generates a third of its electricity from methane gas, with 70% of homes using it for heating. A 2022 rule requires a 41% emissions cut in building heating by 2035.
The state promotes energy-efficient upgrades with rebates for electric heat pumps, which are more efficient and reduce emissions. Recent rebates funded by the Inflation Reduction Act saw overwhelming demand in Colorado.
Several Colorado municipalities have introduced building codes mandating heat pumps in new constructions. Denver’s 2022 policy requires replacing gas furnaces with heat pumps during major repairs. Crested Butte mandates all-electric new constructions.
If the amendment passes, existing building codes may need revision to continue allowing gas sales to homes and businesses. For constitutional inclusion, the measure requires 55% voter approval, facing strong opposition from environmental groups.
Conservation Colorado filed a complaint against Advance Colorado for not registering an issue committee. Despite securing the necessary signatures, Nordini remains hopeful it won’t succeed: “I think Colorado voters will see through this.”
Original Story at insideclimatenews.org