Colorado is the first state to try to get a fossil fuel protected in the constitution. But why? Ally Richardson from Pikes Peak Permaculture, Ciara Guerrero from 350 Colorado, and Jim Lockhart from the Pikes Peak Group of Sierra Club, took the stage at COATI Uprise in downtown Colorado Springs to discuss the proposed constitutional amendment 82 during Studio 809 Podcasts’ Our Voice, Our Future: Get Out the Vote Podcast Marathon.
Answer to LIVE audience question:
Q: Who wrote/pushed for ballot initiative 177?
A: Nonprofit Advance Colorado organized the petition drive and campaign to place the measure on the 2026 Colorado ballot.
For information pertaining to organizations supporting and opposing measures on this November’s ballot, visit the Colorado Secretary of State’s website:
Amendments and Propositions on the 2026 Ballot
Mentioned in this Episode:
Colorado Air Pollution Control Division
2024-2025 Air Quality Control Commission Annual Report to the Public
EPA’s Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards
Air Now – Your one-stop source for air quality data
Plug In Solar – legal in Colorado under HB 26‑1007, which took effect on August 12, 2026, allowing UL‑certified plug‑in systems up to 1,920W AC without utility pre‑approval.
Amendment 82: Colorado voters will decide whether to put right to natural gas in state constitution The Colorado Sun article by Mark Jaffe
“Crested Butte is the first Colorado municipality to require that all new residential and commercial buildings be powered entirely by electricity, banning natural gas for heating, hot water, and most appliances.” The Colorado Sun article by Jason Blevins
Upcoming Programs offered by Pikes Peak Permaculture:
Permaculture Design Course 2027
Interested in living more sustainably? This certification course is 10 weekends together to build a hands-on foundation of permaculture knowledge and experience to become better equipped for the future. Pikes Peak Permaculture is now accepting registrations for our next course that will be starting in March 2027. Work trade and financial aid available. Have questions? See our website or reach out, we’re happy to help you make an informed decision. More information here.
Be on the lookout for FREE Fall/Winter Intro to permaculture class series! Want to be on Pikes Peak Permaculture’s newsletter? Reach out here
This episode is brought to you by Pikes Peak Permaculture, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to teaching the ethics and principles of permaculture design in Southern Colorado. Permaculture is all about working with nature rather than against, to regenerate land, water, and food systems, and build resilient communities for generations to come. Learn more about their work with schools, organizations, and community members at pikespeakpermaculture.org
The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region.
Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future
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