Colorado to vote on constitutional 'right to natural gas'

Colorado voters will consider a constitutional amendment to establish a 'right to natural gas.' This ballot measure aims to enshrine access to natural gas as a constitutional right within the state. If approved, it would likely restrict future legislative or regulatory efforts to phase out natural gas use in favor of other energy sources.

This initiative matters because it could significantly slow Colorado's transition towards electrification and renewable energy. By codifying a right to natural gas, the amendment could make it legally challenging for state and local governments to implement policies that discourage or ban natural gas hookups in new construction or existing buildings.

The mechanism involves a direct constitutional amendment, which, if passed by voters, would legally mandate the state to protect access to natural gas. This could lead to increased demand for natural gas infrastructure, as utility companies might be compelled to maintain or expand their natural gas networks rather than decommissioning them.

This amendment primarily impacts utility companies like Xcel Energy (XEL) and Black Hills Corp (BKH) operating in Colorado, potentially increasing demand for their natural gas services. Construction firms involved in building new residential and commercial properties could also see continued demand for natural gas hookups, affecting their material and design choices.