As a state representative who supports environmental sustainability, I am eager to engage with community members on policy discussions about the work we do at the Colorado State Capitol. In a time when political apathy runs high — and in light of the discouragement many feel as a result of President Donald Trump’s federal policies and disorganized engagement — it is refreshing to read community voices contributing to the conversation. That is why I was glad to come across Mr. William Trachman’s April 8 opinion piece, “New legislation could raise Colorado’s gas prices,” in Colorado Politics. In it, he thoughtfully explored both national and state energy policies.

From Mr. Trachman’s article, I learned the price of gas in Colorado is about 10 cents below the national average. He also praised our state’s majestic ecology. I genuinely appreciated reading these facts about our great state, and I welcome the opportunity to continue this important dialogue.

However, I was dismayed by the central premise of the article and some of the assumptions made. Mr. Trachman claimed my legislation, HB25-1277, constitutes a creative way to stifle energy production. I wholeheartedly disagree. HB25-1277 mandates that, beginning July 1, 2026, certain fuels display a label stating burning them releases air pollutants and greenhouse gases known to be linked to significant health impacts and global heating. This legislation does not stifle energy production in any way — it is designed to ensure consumers have access to basic information about the environmental effect of their choices.

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Mr. Trachman further argued a one-to-three-dollar label placed on a gas pump would impose a real cost on Coloradans. He also connected the idea of labeling gas pumps to an alleged attack on homes that use natural gas, suggesting it drives up the cost of heating. As someone who once aspired to be a creative writer but instead found my calling in public policy, I found Mr. Trachman’s assumptions to be more imaginative than factual.

He went so far as to claim this modest one-to-three-dollar sticker would launch an “anti-oil crusade” targeting truck drivers, gas station managers, and oil rig workers. Let me be clear: that is not the purpose, intent, or effect of this legislation.

There are already several labels required on gas pumps — for example, the federal government mandates labeling for lead content and the posting of octane ratings. What HB25-1277 proposes is neither new nor radical. It’s an extension of long-standing practices designed to give consumers more information. 

As a legislator from Boulder who works tirelessly for all Coloradans, I want to renew my commitment to the people of this state. I am fully committed to a just transition for Colorado. And, just as Mr. Trachman noted our state demonstrates there is no contradiction between producing energy and caring for our environment, I believe there is no contradiction between HB25-1277 and continued economic success in the energy industry — or any other industry in Colorado.

More importantly, I support working people. If I believed for a moment a one-to-three-dollar sticker would hurt working Coloradans, I would be the first to stand against it. As May 1 — May Day, International Workers’ Day — approaches, I want to reaffirm my support for every working man and woman in Colorado who keeps our communities running. Whether it’s the truck driver hauling food across the state, the gas station attendant who greets me as I fill my tank, or the thousands of men and women in the fossil fuel industry working to keep our lights on — I see you, I value your labor and I stand with you.

At the same time, I have a responsibility to represent the people of House District 10. HB25-1277 is a straightforward, common-sense piece of legislation. It does not harm the oil-and-gas industry. It simply seeks to educate consumers — including those moving here from states that don’t provide such information — and to reaffirm Colorado’s longstanding commitment to climate leadership.

We can do both. We can pass strong climate policies and support the hardworking men and women in the oil-and-gas industry. I believe in that balance. And I believe Colorado can continue to lead the way.

State Rep. Junie Joseph is the Colorado state lead for the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators.