Home Appliance Industry sues Colorado over gas stove labels

WASHINGTON — The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, the trade association for the home appliance industry, filed a federal lawsuit on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, in Colorado, challenging a new state law that requires warning labels on gas stoves, arguing the measure violates the First Amendment.

The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for Colorado, seeks an emergency injunction to block House Bill 25-1161, which went into effect Aug. 6. The law mandates that gas stoves carry warnings about alleged health risks. AHAM contends the warnings are not supported by scientific consensus and amount to unconstitutional compelled speech.

According to the lawsuit, most available research shows no proven link between gas stoves and negative health outcomes. AHAM argues that the potential risks of gas stoves are no greater than those associated with electric stoves and that forcing companies to label products with what it calls biased and unproven information misleads consumers.

“If the labeling requirement remains in place, Coloradans may be persuaded to make decisions based on incomplete and unproven information,” said Kelly Mariotti, AHAM president and CEO. “The First Amendment protects not only the right to speak but also the right not to speak, particularly in a way that is misleading.”

AHAM claims the law would force retailers and manufacturers to stigmatize their own products and promote a minority scientific view. The organization said the U.S. Government Accountability Office recently reviewed studies on gas stoves and respiratory health and found no scientific consensus on any link.

The trade group said it supports science-based policies and works with regulators, standards organizations and industry experts to improve product safety and efficiency. Mariotti said the new Colorado law could confuse consumers and set a precedent for labeling requirements based on unsettled science.

“Colorado’s new labeling requirement is a misguided effort to address unproven hazards,” Mariotti said. “Requiring retailers and manufacturers to present inaccurate and incomplete information is likely to lead to consumer confusion, questions and unintended consequences.”