State Question to Give Voters Choice in Energy

~Anne Boswell

Currently if you head to the Colorado Secretary of State's website, click on elections, then click on initiatives you get a list of possible state questions for you, the voter, to decide on.

It's legislation by the people, not the legislators. In order to make the ballot, a title board must hear the question and the title is set, then petitions must be circulated, signed and turned in. And anyone can bring a possible question before the title board.

Initiative 96 is one of those on that list and would give you greater choice in energy sources for your homes and businesses.

It states that Coloradoans feel that the government regulating and restricting the use of gas powered products to include stoves, heaters, lawnmowers and propane fueled products hurts us financially and creates burdens for the working folk.

The question that you will decide on, Initiative 96 says Colorado cannot ban the use or restrict the use of these products. It does provide an exception for health and safety concerns, such as public safety emergencies like fire or a natural disaster.

You might remember the news story that gas stoves would be prohibited in new homes and buildings, which had chefs and cooks concerned. If you know, you know. Chefs prefer gas stoves because the heat can be controlled much better than electric.

The state question will need to include language from the Colorado Constitution when it appears on your ballot, which will likely be the November 2026 election.

There are two state questions, on the ballot you likely already received this week or will soon.

That is the November 2025 election.

Be watching for more explanations of these state initiatives as there's a lot to digest in elections in general.

I will try and explain them on a weekly basis.

As always if you want me to look into something, please reach out.

Anne Boswell

anneboswell@coloradonewsyourway.com