Gibbs nomination for Natural Resources approved by state senate committee

Former Summit County Commissioner Dan Gibbs’ nomination to head the state’s Department of Natural Resources easily sailed through its first hurdle Thursday. The state Senate’s Agriculture, Natural Resources and Energy Committee approved Gibbs’ nomination unanimously in a 5-0 vote. The nomination now heads to the full state Senate floor on Monday, where Gibbs is expected to be confirmed.

“I am really honored to have the unanimous support of everyone on the Agricultural and Natural Resources committee,” Gibbs said. “I hope to have everyone else’s support on Monday.”

Gibbs was tapped by Gov. Jared Polis to head the department on Jan. 9, a day after Gibbs was sworn in for his third term as county commissioner. Gibbs resigned as commissioner a week later to pursue the cabinet position.

As executive director of the Department of Natural Resources, Gibbs will oversee every state agency that has anything to do with Colorado’s land, water, wildlife and other natural riches. Gibbs was informed for the role through his years working on wildfire mitigation and environmental issues as county commissioner, state house representative and state senator.