By Katie Farnan
The Colorado Municipal League (CML), which represents nearly 270 of Colorado’s cities and towns, announced last week that they voted to formally oppose Amendment 82, adding the voice of municipal governments across the state to a broad coalition urging Coloradans to vote no this November.
In a September 29 statement, CML General Counsel Robert Sheesley wrote that the League opposed Amendment 82 because it would undermine local discretion to adopt and enforce energy efficient building codes and would expand the state constitution beyond its proper scope as a basic framework for government.
CML joins Counties & Commissioners Acting Together (CCAT) in endorsing a no vote on Amendment 82.
“With the Colorado Municipal League’s vote, we see member-based organizations representing both city and county officials across the state of Colorado opposing Amendment 82,” said Katie Farnan, Communications Director for the No Pollution in the Constitution campaign, which opposes the measure. “Voting no on 82 protects our constitution from corporate greed at the expense of our communities.”
Last month, the Denver Post editorial board urged voters to reject Amendment 82, writing that “a no vote will prevent minutiae from polluting our Constitution. Just because something might seem like the right idea now doesn’t mean it will continue to be in the ever-evolving energy landscape.”
More than 20 organizations have endorsed a No vote, including Colorado Academy of Family Physicians, Physicians for Social Responsibility Colorado, Healthy Air & Water Colorado, Conservation Colorado, and the League of Women Voters of Colorado.
Also last month, Senate President James Coleman and House Speaker Julie McCluskie were among 52 state legislators who signed a joint public letter opposing the measure, along with 17 candidates for the General Assembly.
“Buying and selling natural gas is already legal in Colorado,” said Emma Pinter, Adams County Commissioner, who also signed the letter. “Amendment 82 could stick ratepayers with the bill for excess pipelines they never asked for. If it passes, we stand ready to hold these companies accountable and protect ratepayers from new costs.”
A full list of endorsers is available at no82.org/about.
About No Pollution in the Constitution
No Pollution in the Constitution brings together doctors and nurses, community groups, and conservation organizations united in opposition to Amendment 82. Natural, or methane, gas is produced largely through fracking, a process that uses chemical-laced water and can release toxic pollutants such as benzene into water sources. Local rules that keep fracking away from homes and schools would be vulnerable to legal challenge if Amendment 82 passes. We believe Colorado voters deserve clear information about the consequences of this permanent change to our state constitution before they vote this November. Learn more at no82.org.
Katie Farnan is an organizer with the “No on 82” campaign