Colorado Forced To Defend Controversial Gas Stove Warning Law in Court

By Heather Willard | KDVR Fox 31

DENVER (KDVR) — The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers is taking the state to court in a First Amendment lawsuit aimed at stopping a new law that would require warning labels on gas stoves.

The law went into effect on Wednesday, one of hundreds of new laws that came into effect, and requires the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to establish a page with “credible, evidence-based information on the health impacts of gas-fueled stoves.”

The bill also requires that retailers have a yellow adhesive label on display models of gas stoves that states: “Understand the air quality implications of having an indoor gas stove.”

The label then must have a link or a QR code so consumers can see the webpage created by the health department. A similar label must also be posted for online sales of new gas-fueled stoves in Colorado.

The home appliance manufacturers’ association said that it is seeking an emergency injunction to prevent the law from taking effect. The association also said the lawsuit shows the new law violates the First Amendment by singling out gas stoves, and ordering retailers and manufacturers to warn consumers of alleged “health risks” and “health impacts” that the association says have not been proven.

“We strongly support science-based practices that protect consumers,” said Kelly Mariotti, president and CEO of AHAM. “What we are opposing is a state government compelling private companies to communicate a message that lacks scientific consensus. The First Amendment protects not only the right to speak—but also the right not to speak, particularly in a way that is misleading. If the labeling requirement remains in place, Coloradans may be persuaded to make decisions based on incomplete and unproven information.”

The American Public Health Association published a report in 2022 that says “harmful air pollutants” such as nitrogen dioxide are generated by gas stoves, and can lead to higher nitrogen dioxide concentrations in homes. The group’s study also pointed to an increased risk of asthma in children. Similar statements were published by the Minnesota Department of Health.

According to AHAM, the “overwhelming majority” of health resources do not show an association between gas stoves and adverse health outcomes and said the research also fails to demonstrate causation.

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