Federal Judge Blocks Colorado Natural Gas Warning Law
Injunction halts enforcement of gas stove labeling requirement
Colorado’s effort to impose new restrictions on natural gas appliances ran into a significant legal setback after a federal judge blocked enforcement of a recently enacted state law requiring warning labels on gas-fueled stoves.
The law, HB25-1161, was approved by the Colorado legislature and enacted in August. It required retailers to attach state-mandated warning labels to gas stoves, cautioning consumers about alleged air quality and pollution impacts associated with natural gas use in homes.
Appliance manufacturers challenge gas stove warning labels
The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers challenged the statute, filing an emergency motion for an injunction in federal court. The organization argued the law forced retailers to convey what it described as a “non-consensus, scientifically controversial, and factually misleading government-mandated message.”
The association also contended the labeling requirement violated the First Amendment, asserting the state could not compel private companies to promote a disputed message about natural gas appliances.
Federal court applies strict scrutiny standard
U.S. District Judge S. Kato Crews agreed with the manufacturers and issued an injunction blocking enforcement of the law.
In his ruling, Judge Crews determined the law must meet the strict scrutiny test, the highest standard used by American courts when reviewing a law’s constitutionality. Under strict scrutiny, the government must show the law is narrowly tailored to advance a compelling government interest using the least restrictive means available.
The judge concluded the state failed to meet that burden.
Lawmakers’ statements insufficient, judge says
Judge Crews specifically cited public comments from two bill sponsors — Cathy Kipp of Fort Collins and Katie Wallace of Longmont — who said gas stoves contribute to air pollution.
However, the court ruled those statements were “not alone enough to prove that HB25-1161 was adopted to combat climate change.”
State argues law regulates commercial speech
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser defended the statute, arguing it regulated commercial speech and that the First Amendment did not apply because the labels constituted government speech.
The court rejected that argument, finding the law compelled private parties to convey the state’s message and therefore triggered constitutional protections.
Implications for natural gas policy debates
The ruling temporarily halts Colorado’s attempt to mandate natural gas appliance warning labels, a policy closely watched by utilities, appliance manufacturers, and energy regulators nationwide. The decision underscores growing legal challenges facing state efforts to regulate natural gas use through consumer-facing disclosures.