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By Joe Edwards
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Colorado may soon become the first state in the U.S. to require climate change warning labels on gasoline pumps, a legislative move that has received backing from environmental advocates and resistance from the fossil fuel industry.
Why It Matters
Colorado has already set ambitious targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 26 percent by 2025 and 50 percent by 2030, compared to 2005 levels.
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Colorado could now become the first state in the nation to require retailers to warn
consumers that burning fossil fuels contributes to global warming.
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What To Know
A bill known as House Bill 1277 passed narrowly through the Colorado House earlier this month as reported by Capital & Main and The Colorado Sun. If enacted, the law would mandate that all fuel retailers place labels on pumps warning consumers that burning fossil fuels contributes to air pollution and global warming.
The warnings, similar in concept to cigarette package labels, would be displayed in English and Spanish, using at least 16-point black text on a white background in clearly visible locations.
Store owners could face fines of up to $20,000 per violation if they fail to maintain the warning labels, although an amendment would reportedly allow a 45-day grace period to address any issues.
Environmental groups including the Sierra Club and 350 Colorado support the bill. Advocates point to similar programs in cities like Cambridge, Massachusetts, and countries like Sweden, where such warnings have reportedly influenced consumer attitudes and behaviors.
There is industry opposition to the measure, however. Representatives and gas station owners argue that the bill amounts to shaming consumers and warn it could lead to higher fuel prices.
What People Are Saying
State Representative Junie Joseph, a sponsor of the bill said, as reported by The Colorado Sun: "The bill, as you've heard, seeks to drive systemic change and to help us meet our greenhouse gas emission goals."
Joseph added: "Colorado is actively working to reduce emissions to comply with the Clean Air Act and state climate targets."
Angie Howes, a lobbyist representing Kum & Go, which owns Maverik convenience stores, said at a committee hearing, as reported by The Colorado Sun: "The gas pump itself is already cluttered with words, numbers, prices, colors, buttons and payment mechanisms...
"The message will likely be lost in the noise and we question the impact of such a label toward the proponents' goals."
A spokesperson for Colorado Governor Jared Polis told Capital & Main: "Governor Polis is skeptical of labeling requirements and will review any legislation that reaches his desk."
What Happens Next
Whether the proposals in the bill will become Colorado law remains to be seen.
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