Big News Alert

A federal judge in Denver has indefinitely blocked a new Colorado state law that would have required retailers to post air quality warnings on gas stoves. This ruling is a significant setback for consumer protection advocates.

The injunction means that the law, intended to inform consumers about potential health impacts, cannot be enforced. This effectively silences a state's attempt to provide information about products sold to its citizens.

What Could Go Wrong

This decision could set a dangerous precedent, suggesting that mandating factual disclosures about potential health risks from consumer products infringes upon corporate free speech. It implies that the “right to speak” for manufacturers includes the “right not to warn” consumers.

The judge's argument hinges on the idea that scientific consensus on gas stove health impacts is still debated. However, this interpretation could allow industries to avoid transparency whenever there isn't absolute unanimity in scientific circles, leaving the public vulnerable.

"The court disagrees that the labeling requirement merely enables customers to access information — the only reason customers can access this information is because the State compels peddlers of gas stoves to speak it." — Judge S. Kato Crews.

Who Must Answer

U.S. District Court Judge S. Kato Crews, a Biden appointee, made this consequential decision, favoring the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers' First Amendment arguments. Is this the role of the judiciary—to protect corporations from disclosing information that state lawmakers deem important for public health?

The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers celebrated this ruling, prioritizing their