07-04-2025
Colorado bill would require climate change warnings on gas pumps
DENVER (KDVR) — Would a sign at the pump telling you about climate and health impacts stop you from buying that next tank of gasoline?
Would it at least make you think about it?
That's what Colorado legislators are grappling with as they debate a bill, HB25-1277, Increasing Transparency Impact of Fuel Products, that would require retailers selling or displaying for sale certain fuel products to provide information to consumers about the impact of consuming the fuel. The bill, as written, would require gas stations to label fuel products with the phrase:
'WARNING: Use of this product releases air pollutants and greenhouse gases, known by the state of Colorado to be linked to significant health impacts and global heating, respectively, pursuant to section 25-5-1603, C.R.S. Tampering with this label is a violation of section 18-4-510, C.R.S.'
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The labels would be required on fuel products, either at the pump or on the container, beginning July 1, 2026. The labels must be printed in black ink on a white background, and in type no smaller than 16 points, and displayed in a 'conspicuous' location. Any violations of the labels would need to be cured within 45 days of notification, or the seller would be in violation of Colorado's fair trade practices.
Proponents of the measure eked out a 33-30 vote to pass the measure along to the Senate on Thursday, where it was assigned to the Transportation and Energy Committee for discussion.
The fuels that would be labeled under the bill are any gas or liquid produced through processing crude oil, liquid hydrocarbons at a natural gas plant, finished petroleum products at blending facilities and the conversion of biomass into biofuels, such as ethanol.
Last month, Rep. June Joseph, one of the bill's primary sponsors, was selected to serve as Colorado's State Lead for the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators. The caucus is aimed at creating legislative change combating environmental challenges.
Joseph said that the caucus was among what inspired her to take on more environmentally centered bills.
'Now more than ever, as we see the federal government working to erode our environmental sustainability, it is critical that states step up and lead,' Joseph said in an NCEL release. 'Colorado has long been at the forefront of environmental policy, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to promote innovative solutions that protect our natural resources, combat climate change, and ensure a sustainable future for all.'
Environmental and climate activists also applauded the measure on March 7, saying that accurate labeling is 'critical' to ensuring consumers receive accurate information about the environmental impacts of their fuel choices.
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