Colorado District Court Latest to Dismiss Industry Lawsuit against Building Updates
A Colorado District Court dismissed a corporate-backed lawsuit challenging Denver's building energy codes aimed at reducing pollution and energy costs.Summary
A Colorado District Court dismissed a lawsuit filed by corporate-backed groups challenging Denver's energy code ordinances, which aim to reduce air pollution and energy costs for households and businesses. The court ruled that federal law does not preempt local regulations, siding with the City of Denver and the Sierra Club. The decision aligns with similar rulings nationwide, including in New York, California, and Maryland, where courts have upheld local authority to regulate pollution from buildings. Denver's updated energy code, passed in 2023, promotes building electrification and transitions away from fossil fuel heating systems to reduce pollution and energy volatility. Plaintiffs included corporate landlord associations, the National Propane Gas Association, and the Colorado Restaurant Association. The Sierra Club intervened in 2024, with legal support from Earthjustice. Environmental advocates emphasized the importance of local action to address climate challenges, including extreme heat and wildfire smoke, which severely impacted Denver's air quality this summer. The ruling reinforces the ability of local governments to implement policies that modernize buildings and reduce energy costs while improving public health.
(Source：Clean Technica)