Denver Natural Gas Appliance Limits Are Unlawful, New Suit Says

The Restaurant Law Center and associations representing home builders and the hospitality industry are challenging Denver’s ordinances limiting the use of natural gas appliances.

The federal Energy Policy and Conservation Act “already regulates the energy use of such appliances and expressly and broadly preempts state and local laws,” the groups told the US District Court for the District of Colorado on July 3.

They’re challenging the municipal appliance ban provisions of Denver ordinances 21-1310 and 22-1653 that target energy performance for existing commercial and multifamily buildings as well as future electrification requirements.

The groups pointed to the Ninth Circuit’s April ...