The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce is leading an effort to gather business organizations and economic leaders across the Western Slope to oppose HB25-1286, a bill that would impose sweeping temperature regulations on every employer in Colorado—regardless of industry, size, or feasibility.
The Chamber’s Western Slope Business Coalition is growing rapidly, with the Palisade Chamber, Fruita Chamber, Ouray Chamber, Glenwood Chamber, Rangley Chamber, Gunnison Chamber, the Western Colorado Contractors Association, Club 20, and the Grand Junction Economic Partnership already standing in opposition. These organizations recognize that HB25-1286 would impose costly and impractical regulations that directly threaten regional industries, from construction and infrastructure projects to agriculture, tourism, and outdoor recreation.
If passed, this bill would require constant temperature monitoring at workplaces and force employers to take costly, government-mandated actions whenever certain thresholds are met. The bill dictates that when the wind chill reaches 30°F with 20 mph winds, or when the heat index exceeds 80°F with 65% humidity, employers must provide climate-controlled break areas, adjust job quotas, and implement formal observation systems for workers. For businesses with outdoor employees—such as construction firms, farms, ranches, and outdoor recreation companies—these mandates are not just burdensome but entirely impractical. A ski resort, a rafting outfitter, or a vineyard would all be subject to rigid, one-size-fits-all regulations that fail to account for Colorado’s variable climate, seasonal workforces, and industry-specific needs.
Employers would also face increased legal exposure, as the bill allows for civil lawsuits against businesses, even if they have made good-faith efforts to comply. The costs of compliance, legal risks, and operational disruptions will ultimately be passed on to workers and consumers, further exacerbating Colorado’s cost-of-living crisis.
HB25-1286 would hurt some of the Western Slope’s largest economic drivers. The construction industry, already struggling with workforce shortages and supply chain disruptions, would be forced to halt projects whenever arbitrary temperature thresholds are met, delaying critical housing and infrastructure work. For agriculture, these mandates add yet another compliance burden to an industry already grappling with rising costs and labor shortages. Ranchers and farmers, who have long prioritized worker safety, would now face rigid rules that do not reflect the realities of agricultural work. Meanwhile, the outdoor recreation and tourism sector—one of the Western Slope’s most critical industries—would be forced into impractical compliance measures that fail to account for the nature of outdoor work.
“This bill is a perfect example of regulation for the sake of regulation, without a true issue to solve,” said Candace Carnahan, President & CEO of the Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce. “Employers already have a responsibility to keep their workers safe, and strong federal laws exist to guide them. What HB25-1286 does is create erroneous oversight and complex monitoring systems that are ripe for litigation—not solutions that actually improve workplace safety.”
This coalition formed by the Grand Junction Chamber believes in workplace safety—but also supports common sense regulations. OSHA already provides federal workplace safety standards, which employers across Colorado follow. Instead of duplicating these regulations and adding new opportunities for lawsuits, state policy should focus on strengthening businesses and supporting economic growth.
The Coalition is actively working to oppose HB25-1286 and is calling on other businesses and organizations to join the effort. The Grand Junction Chamber and coalition partners will be advocating against this legislation, engaging with lawmakers, testifying on behalf of impacted industries, and mobilizing the business community to take action.
Business owners, workers, and community leaders are encouraged to contact their legislators and voice opposition to HB25-1286 before it creates unnecessary financial and legal burdens on businesses across the state. To learn more about this bill, join the coalition, or ask questions, email [email protected].