Dan Gibbs

{{Short description|American politician}} {{Infobox officeholder | name=Dan Gibbs | image= |office1 = Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources |term_start1 = February 5, 2019 |term_end1 = |governor1 = Jared Polis |predecessor1 = Bob Randall |successor1 = |office2 = Board of County Commissioners of Summit County from the 1st district |term_start2 = January 11, 2011 |term_end2 = January 16, 2019 |predecessor2 = Bob French |successor2 = Elisabeth Lawrence | state_senate3=Colorado | state3=Colorado | district3=16th | term_start3=December 11, 2007 | term_end3=January 12, 2011 | preceded3=Joan Fitz-Gerald | succeeded3=Jeanne Nicholson | office4 = Member of the Colorado House of Representatives from the 56th district | term_start4 = January 10, 2007<ref name="housejournal">{{cite web |url=http://www.leg.state.co.us/Clics/Clics2007A/csljournals.nsf/(jouhse)/C74DAE3008365363872572580079AA44/$FILE/Jn10.pdf |title=House Journal - January 10, 2007 |access-date=2007-11-19 |work=Colorado General Assembly }}</ref> | term_end4 = December 11, 2007 | predecessor4 = Gary Lindstrom | successor4 = Christine Scanlan | birth_date= | birth_place= | death_date= | death_place= | spouse= | profession=Outdoor guide, legislative assistant | party=Democratic |}}

'''Dan Gibbs''' (born c. 1976) is a politician in the U.S. state of Colorado. He currently serves as the executive director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources.

Gibbs worked as an outdoor guide and as a staffer for U.S. Representative Mark Udall before being elected to the Colorado House of Representatives as a Democrat in 2006. In the legislature, Gibbs was noted for his focus on transportation and environment issues in the state legislature, particularly in response the fire dangers posted by Colorado's mountain pine beetle epidemic &mdash; Gibbs is a volunteer wildland firefighter and has served fighting fires in Colorado and California.

Gibbs was appointed to a vacancy in the Colorado State Senate in late 2007, won election to a Senate term of his own in 2008, and represented a multi-county region stretching from the Colorado Front Range near Boulder into Rocky Mountain ski country west of Denver. Gibbs rose quickly to chair the Colorado Senate's Transportation Committee, but announced that he would seek election to a Summit County Commissioner seat in 2010 rather than run for another term in the legislature. Gibbs was elected a Summit County Commissioner in 2010 and served in that office until he resigned in January 2019.<ref name="Dutta 2019">{{cite news |last=Dutta |first=Deepan |date=2019-02-01 |title= Gibbs nomination for Natural Resources approved by state senate committee |url= https://www.summitdaily.com/news/local/gibbs-nomination-for-natural-resources-approved-by-state-senate-committee/?fbclid=IwAR2xYH2ibUsuYvj2So29pnaqxSxyqYop19sU1gr45va8PPAInVJFRsBazDg |work=Summit Daily |access-date=2020-04-23 }}</ref><ref>Summit County, Colorado. [http://www.co.summit.co.us/467/Dan-Gibbs Dan Gibbs] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202040843/http://www.co.summit.co.us/467/Dan-Gibbs |date=2017-02-02 }}. Viewed: 2017-01-28.</ref>

==Biography== Gibbs' parents were both public school teachers and later school principals;<ref name="bio"/> they divorced when Gibbs was young and he split his childhood between Gunnison, Colorado and East Lansing, Michigan. He was influenced at an early age toward public service after meeting former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. Gibbs earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from Western State College,<ref name="door">{{cite news |first=J.K. |last=Perry |title=Door-to-door route for Gibbs |url=http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20061016/NEWS/110160046 |work=Summit Daily News |date=October 16, 2006 |access-date=2007-11-19 }}</ref> and then attended the University of Colorado at Denver, where he worked towards a graduate degree in political science.<ref name="bio">{{cite web |url=http://www.dangibbs.org/dan.html |title=About Dan |access-date=2007-11-19 |work=Dan Gibbs for Colorado |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070729004934/http://www.dangibbs.org/dan.html |archive-date=2007-07-29 }}</ref>

Gibbs has worked in the timber industry,<ref name="bio"/> as a manager with a whitewater rafting company in Lake Luzerne, New York, and as an outdoor adventure guide in Gunnison, Colorado.<ref name="profile">{{cite web |url=http://cfapp2.rockymountainnews.com/election/profiles/c_profiles.cfm?oper=cand_profile&id=12017&qa=1 |title=Dan Gibbs - Colorado - State House District 56 candidate |access-date=2007-11-19 |work=RockyMountainNews.com }}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> As a local businessperson, he was a member of and diplomat for the Summit Chamber of Commerce,<ref name="bio"/> and was elected to their board for a three-year term in 2006.<ref name="sumboard">{{cite news |author=Staff report |title=Door-to-door route for Gibbs |url=http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20061102/NOTES/111020034 |work=Summit Daily News |date=November 2, 2006 |access-date=2007-11-19 }}</ref>

An athlete and outdoorsman, Gibbs has competed in marathon and ultramarathon running races (including the Leadville Trail 100<ref name="gibbsbio"/>) and helped coach the Battle Mountain High School cross-country skiing team. He has also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, Eagle River Clean Up, and the I-70 Clean Up Team, and sat on the boards of Club 20, the High Country Conservation Center, the Vail-Eagle Valley Rotary Club,<ref name="bio"/> and Vail Valley Hospital Home Health/Hospice. He has cited being a volunteer youth mentor with the Buddy Mentors program as his most meaningful volunteer experience.<ref name="profile"/>

Gibbs worked in the Washington, DC office of U.S. Congressman Mark Udall before becoming the director for Udall's Western Slope office in Minturn in 2003. As a Congressional staffer, Gibbs sat on the Congressional Legislative Staff Association Board of Directors.<ref name="picks">{{cite news |author=Staff Report |title=Congressman picks longtime aide to run Minturn office |url=http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20030315/NEWS/303150107 |work=Summit Daily News |date=March 15, 2003 |access-date=2007-11-19 }}</ref> He also helped launch the Summit County Young Democrats in 2004.<ref name="young">{{cite news |first=Jason |last=Starr |title=Dems take lead in young political activism |url=http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20040801/NEWS/108010014 |work=Summit Daily News |date=August 1, 2004 |access-date=2007-11-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928045934/http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20040801/NEWS/108010014 |archive-date=September 28, 2011 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

==Legislative career== ===2006 election===

Gibbs first ran for the state legislature in 2006 for a seat being vacated by Gary Lindstrom, who served as his campaign chair.<ref name="bio"/> Running for office at the age of 30, Gibbs faced criticism for his relative youth and inexperience,<ref name="looks">{{cite news |first=Duffy |last=Hayes |title=Gibbs looks at House |url=http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20030315/NEWS/303150107 |work=Summit Daily News |date=March 1, 2006 |access-date=2007-11-19 }}</ref> however, spending over $90,000 on his campaign &mdash; more than twice as much as Republican opponent Ken Chlouber,<ref name="hasan">{{cite news |first=Edward |last=Stoner |title=Hasan has spent more than any House candidate |url=http://www.leadvillechronicle.com/article/20081001/NEWS/810019996/1001&title=Hasan%20has%20spent%20more%20than%20any%20House%20candidate |work=Leadville Chronicle |date=1 October 2008 |access-date=2008-11-01 }}{{Dead link|date=January 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> &mdash; Gibbs ultimately defeated Chlouber by a 2:1 margin. His constituency, House District 56, encompassed Eagle, Lake and Summit Counties, including the skiing communities of Vail and Breckenridge.<ref name="map">{{cite web |url=http://comaps.org/district56h.html |title=State House District 56 |access-date=2007-11-19 |work=COMaps |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080304221521/http://www.comaps.org/district56h.html |archive-date=2008-03-04 }}</ref>

===2007 legislative session===

In his first year in the legislature &mdash; the 2007 session of the Colorado General Assembly &mdash; Gibbs sat on the House Agriculture, Livestock and Natural Resources Committee and was Vice-Chair of the House Transportation and Energy Committee.<ref name="cmtes">{{cite web |url=http://www.leg.state.co.us/clics/clics2007a/directory.nsf/HouCommWp?OpenView |title=House Committees of Reference |access-date=2007-12-11 |work=Colorado General Assembly}}</ref> That same year, Gibbs was also appointed to the Colorado Interbasin Water Compact Committee<ref name="cmte">{{cite news |author=Staff Report |title=Gibbs joins H2O committee |url=http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20070916/NEWS/109160057 |work=Summit Daily News |date=September 16, 2007 |access-date=2007-11-19 }}</ref> and the board of directors of the Colorado Tourism office.<ref name="tourism">{{cite news |author=Staff Report |title=State Rep. Gibbs lands seat on crucial state tourism board |url=http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20070202/NEWS/102020070 |work=Summit Daily News |date=February 2, 2007 |access-date=2007-11-19 }}</ref>

Starting when he was a staffer for Congressman Udall and continuing into his legislative career, Gibbs promoted increased government assistance on forest management issues, particularly in response to the increased fire danger caused by mountain pine beetle infestations.<ref name="official">{{cite news |first=Duffy |last=Hayes |title=Gibbs makes House run official |url=http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20060320/NEWS/103200055 |work=Summit Daily News |date=March 20, 2007 |access-date=2007-11-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060623040144/http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20060320/NEWS/103200055 |archive-date=June 23, 2006 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="beetle">{{cite news |first=Nicole |last=Formosa |title=Beetle bill lands in D.C. |url=http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20070717/NEWS/107170064 |work=Summit Daily News |date=July 17, 2007 |access-date=2007-11-19 }}</ref> In the legislature, Gibbs sponsored legislation which established the Colorado Community Forest Restoration grant program, setting aside $1 million for projects to reduce fire risks.<ref name="fire">{{cite news |first=Nicole |last=Formosa |title=Beetle bill passes Senate committee unanimously |url=http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20070424/NEWS/104240067 |work=Summit Daily News |date=April 24, 2007 |access-date=2007-11-19 }}</ref> The bill was signed into law by Gov. Bill Ritter<ref name="ritter">{{cite news |first=Matt |last=Renoux |title=Gov. Ritter heads to the high country to sign bills |url=http://www.9news.com/news/politics_govt/printarticle.aspx?storyid=71004 |work=9news.com |date=May 29, 2007 |access-date=2007-11-19 }} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> and ultimately yielded $176,000 for forest restoration projects within Gibbs' district.<ref name="grants">{{cite news |first=Nicole |last=Formosa |title=Summit County gets grants for forest projects |url=http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20070821/NEWS/108210068 |work=Summit Daily News |date=April 24, 2007 |access-date=2007-11-19 }}</ref> Following the legislative session, in order to better understand issues surrounding forest wildfires, Gibbs trained for and received certification in wildland firefighting, becoming certified Type II Wildland Firefighter with Lake Dillon Fire-Rescue.<ref name="gibbsbio"/><ref name="prepare">{{cite news |first=Lory |last=Pounder |title=From policy to preparedness: Rep. Gibbs - wildland firefighter |url=http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20070624/NEWS/106240062 |work=Summit Daily News |date=June 24, 2007 |access-date=2007-11-19 }}</ref> Gibbs' first deployment as a volunteer firefighter was to assist fighting the Santiago Fire during the October 2007 California wildfire epidemic.<ref name="calif">{{cite news|first=Andrea |last=Lopez |title=Summit Co. Firefighters Learn As They Help SoCal |url=http://cbs4denver.com/local/local_story_303234357.html |work=CBS4Denver |date=October 30, 2007 |access-date=2007-11-19 }}{{dead link|date=April 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref name="calif2">{{cite news |first=Elliot |last=Spagat |title=Crews gain on fires; four bodies found |url=http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_7282643 |work=Denver Post |date=October 26, 2007 |access-date=2007-11-19 }}</ref>

After successfully sponsoring a 2007 bill requiring collaboration between the Colorado Oil and Gas Commission and Colorado Division of Wildlife to minimize the impact on wildlife from oil and gas drilling, Gibbs testified before the U.S. House's Natural Resources committee on cooperative efforts between oil and environmental interests.<ref name="gibbsgoes">{{cite news |first=Nicole |last=Formosa |title=Mr. Gibbs goes to Washington |url=http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20070325/NEWS/103250090 |work=Summit Daily News |date=March 25, 2007 |access-date=2007-11-19 }}</ref><ref name="dc">{{cite news |first=Nicole |last=Formosa |title=Gibbs reflects on recent trip to D.C. |url=http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20070328/NEWS/103280100 |work=Summit Daily News |date=March 28, 2007 |access-date=2007-11-19 }}</ref>

After initial resistance,<ref name="chain1">{{cite news |first=Nicole |last=Formosa |title=Chain Law bill fails to move forward |url=http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20070220/NEWS/70220005 |work=Summit Daily News |date=February 20, 2007 |access-date=2007-11-19 }}</ref> Gibbs also successfully pushed legislation in 2007 to increase penalties for truck drivers who fail to comply with Colorado's law requiring snow chain on roads in winter,<ref name="chain2">{{cite news |first=Nicole |last=Formosa |title=Gibbs' chain law bill moves to the Senate |url=http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20070402/NEWS/70402009 |work=Summit Daily News |date=April 2, 2007 |access-date=2007-11-19 }}</ref> a move designed to improve accessibility and safety on I-70, which bisected Gibbs' house district.<ref name="chain3">{{cite news |first=Nicole |last=Formosa |title=Chain law bill moves to Senate floor |url=http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20070419/NEWS/70419007 |work=Summit Daily News |date=April 19, 2007 |access-date=2007-11-19 }}</ref> In later years, Gibbs and state officials attributed decreases in accidents and tickets issued for violating the chain law to the passage of the bill.<ref name="safer">{{cite news |first=Steve |last=Lynn |title=Vail Pass: Snow chains making I-70 safer? |url=http://www.vaildaily.com/article/20080418/NEWS/379087375 |work=Vail Daily |date=April 18, 2007 |access-date=2008-04-20 }}</ref><ref name="positive">{{cite news |first=Mike |last=McPhee |title=Positive chain-tire reaction |url=http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_12174765 |work=Denver Post |date=19 April 2009 |access-date=2009-12-21}}</ref> Gibbs was named to the interim Transportation Legislation Review Committee at the end of the 2007 regular session.<ref name="transcom">{{cite web |url=http://www.state.co.us/gov_dir/leg_dir/lcsstaff/2007/comsched/07TLRCSched.htm |title=Transportation Legislation Review Committee 2007 |access-date=2008-04-27 |work=Colorado Legislative Council }} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref>

===2007 senate appointment=== Following the resignation of Colorado Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald in November 2007, Gibbs was unanimously elected by a vacancy committee to take her seat in the Colorado State Senate.<ref name="senate">{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |title=Gibbs selected to fill Fitz-Gerald's Senate seat |url=http://kjct8.com/Global/story.asp?S=7385084 |work=KJCT8.com |date=November 19, 2007 |access-date=2007-11-19 }} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> He resigned from the House of Representatives at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, December 11, 2007,<ref name="becomes"/> and was sworn into the Colorado State Senate an hour later<ref name="cadman">{{cite news |first=Ed |last=Sealover |title=Cadman sworn in to senate |url=http://www.gazette.com/articles/cadman_30801___article.html/colorado_senate.html4 |work=Colorado Springs Gazette |date=December 12, 2007 |access-date=2007-12-12 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130124024132/http://www.gazette.com/articles/cadman_30801___article.html/colorado_senate.html4 |archive-date=January 24, 2013 }}</ref> to represent Senate District 16, which covers Clear Creek Gilpin, Grand, Summit and portions of western Boulder and Jefferson counties.<ref name="map2">{{cite web |url=http://comaps.org/district56h.html |title=State Senate District 16 |access-date=2007-11-21 |work=COMaps |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080304221521/http://www.comaps.org/district56h.html |archive-date=2008-03-04 }}</ref> Because of his interim appointment, Gibbs faced an election in November 2008 to retain his new Senate seat.<ref name="senate2">{{cite news |first=Nicole |last=Formosa |title=Gibbs looks ahead to the Senate |url=http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20071120/NEWS/71120016 |work=Summit Daily News |date=November 20, 2007 |access-date=2007-11-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071226035001/http://summitdaily.com/article/20071120/NEWS/71120016 |archive-date=December 26, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Christine Scanlan was appointed to fill Gibbs' vacant house seat on December 19, 2007.<ref name="scanlan">{{cite news |first=Lory |last=Pounder |title=Scanlan appointed to fill state House seat |url=http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20071219/NEWS/961383913 |work=Summit Daily News |date=December 19, 2007 |access-date=2007-12-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080105061124/http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20071219/NEWS/961383913 |archive-date=January 5, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===2008 legislative session===

In his first year in the Colorado State Senate, Gibbs sat on the Senate Agriculture, Livestock, Natural Resources and Energy Committee and the Senate Transportation Committee &mdash; the counterparts of both of the House committees he served on &mdash; and was named vice-chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee.<ref name="becomes">{{cite news |first=Nicole |last=Formosa |title=Gibbs becomes a state senator Tuesday |url=http://www.vaildaily.com/article/20071210/NEWS/71210035 |work=Vail Daily |date=December 10, 2007 |access-date=2007-12-12 }}</ref> He also co-chaired the General Assembly's Sportsmen's Caucus.<ref name="gibbsbio">{{cite web |url=http://www.dangibbs.com/biography |title=About Senator Dan Gibbs |access-date=2008-08-06 |work=Dan Gibbs - State Senate |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080703181437/http://www.dangibbs.com/biography |archive-date=2008-07-03 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

During the 2008 session, Gibbs sponsored a total of 26 bills as either the lead sponsor or the Senate sponsor of a House bill.<ref name="busy">{{cite news |first=Yashley |last=Dickson |title=Gibbs and Scanlan plan for busy year on Capitol Hill |url=http://www.gazette.com/articles/road_33509___article.html/toll_bill.html |work=Summit Daily News |date=February 24, 2008 |access-date=2008-03-01 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080228132345/http://www.gazette.com/articles/road_33509___article.html/toll_bill.html |archive-date=2008-02-28 }}</ref><ref name="optim">{{cite news |first=Lory |last=Pounder |title=Senator is optimistic about the legislative process |url=http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20080301/NEWS/476361986 |work=Summit Daily News |date=March 1, 2008 |access-date=2008-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080302224537/http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20080301/NEWS/476361986 |archive-date=March 2, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Twenty-two of his bills were passed<ref name="readyto">{{cite news |first=Ashley |last=Dickson |title=Gibbs ready to 'go to bat' for another term |url=http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20080909/NEWS/809089975/1078&ParentProfile=1055 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224011922/http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20080909/NEWS/809089975/1078%26ParentProfile%3D1055 |archive-date=24 February 2012 |work=Summit Daily News |date=9 September 2008 |access-date=2008-10-17 |url-status=dead }}</ref> &mdash; an average of more than one per week during the legislative session<ref name="wrapbusy">{{cite news |first=Ashley |last=Dickson |title=Officials wrap up busy state session |url=http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20080526/NEWS/810018490 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208014908/http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20080526/NEWS/810018490 |archive-date=February 8, 2012 |work=Summit Daily News |date=May 26, 2008 |access-date=2008-06-13|url-status=dead}}</ref> &mdash; including: * the Colorado Forest Restoration Act, a reauthorization of Gibbs' 2007 house bill to provide funds for local forest restoration projects through 2012, cosponsored with Rep. Christine Scanlan;<ref name="beetle2">{{cite news |first=Matt |last=Renoux |title=Bark beetles making their way to the Front Range |url=http://www.9news.com/news/top-article.aspx?storyid=84855 |work=9News.com |date=January 20, 2008 |access-date=2008-03-28 }} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref><ref name="passes">{{cite press release | title=Gibbs Bill Hailed as Anti-Wildfire Measure |publisher=Colorado Senate Democrats | date=April 16, 2008 | url=https://coloradosenatedems.blogspot.com/2008/04/gibbs-bill-hailed-as-anti-wildfire.html | access-date=2008-04-17 }}</ref> * the Workplace Accommodations for Working Mothers Act, which requires employers to provide accommodations for breastfeeding mothers;<ref name="legreq">{{cite news |first=Robert |last=Allen |title=Legislation requires employers to accommodate breastfeeding |url=http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20080804/NEWS/653684269/1055 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081024101334/http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20080804/NEWS/653684269/1055 |archive-date=October 24, 2008 |work=Summit Daily News |date=August 4, 2008 |access-date=2008-08-09 |url-status=dead }}</ref> * the Firefighter Protection Act, which would grant additional legal protections for firefighters; * a bill clarifying rules regarding sales of gaming machines;<ref name="becomes"/> * a bill to prohibit soft drinks from being sold at public schools,<ref name="soda">{{cite news |first=John |last=Fosholt |title=Legislature considers bill to ban soda pop in schools |url=http://www.9news.com/news/local/article.aspx?storyid=86428 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130116031426/http://www.9news.com/news/local/article.aspx?storyid=86428 |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 16, 2013 |work=9News.com |date=February 14, 2008 |access-date=2008-02-23 }}</ref> * a bill lowering the blood alcohol limit for boat operators.<ref name="busy"/> * a bill allowing water boards to issue bonds for fire-mitigation projects.<ref name="ominous">{{cite news |first=David O. |last=Williams |title=Carbondale an ominous early start to mountain wildfire season |url=http://www.realvail.com/RealNews/242/Carbondale-an-ominous-early-start-to-mountain-wildfire-season.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080424033922/http://www.realvail.com/RealNews/242/Carbondale-an-ominous-early-start-to-mountain-wildfire-season.html |archive-date=April 24, 2008 |work=RealVail.com |date=April 18, 2008 |access-date=2008-04-20 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Several of Gibbs bills failed in committee, including legislation to provide $10 million in tax incentives for the film industry in Colorado.<ref name="film">{{cite news |first=Lory |last=Pounder |title=Lights! Camera! Legislation! |url=http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20080301/NEWS/54634948 |work=Summit Daily News |date=March 1, 2008 |access-date=2008-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080302224542/http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20080301/NEWS/54634948 |archive-date=March 2, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="movincent">{{cite news |first=Mark |last=Harden |title=Movie-incentive bill dies in Colorado Legislature |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2008/03/17/daily31.html |work=Denver Business Journal |date=March 18, 2008 |access-date=2008-03-22 }}</ref> With Rep. Scanlan, Gibbs was a prominent opponent of several proposals to charge tolls along the I-70 mountain corridor within his district;<ref name="wrapbusy"/><ref name="killone">{{cite news |first=Chris |last=Barge |title=Legislators kill one of two toll bills; |url=http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/mar/28/legislators-kill-one-two-toll-bills/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080329115954/http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/mar/28/legislators-kill-one-two-toll-bills/ |archive-date=March 29, 2008 |work=Rocky Mountain News |date=March 28, 2008 |access-date=2008-03-28 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="frown">{{cite news |first=Ashley |last=Dickson |title=Summit reps frown on Interstate 70 tolls |url=http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20080313/NEWS/501636947/0/FRONTPAGE |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928064416/http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20080313/NEWS/501636947/0/FRONTPAGE |archive-date=September 28, 2011 |work=Summit Daily News |date=March 13, 2008 |access-date=2008-03-28|url-status=dead }}</ref> he later cited this as his most significant accomplishment of the session.<ref name="readyto"/>

In response to Gibbs' efforts to advance understanding of the ongoing bark beetle epidemic, Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter signed an executive order in February 2008 creating the Colorado Forest Health Advisory Council;<ref name="panel">{{cite news |first=John |last=Ingold |title=Beetle-battle panel created |url=http://www.denverpost.com/politics/ci_8244612 |work=Denver Post |date=February 13, 2008 |access-date=2008-02-23 }}</ref> Gibbs was named to the 24-member panel shortly after its creation.<ref name="counappo">{{cite news |first=Lory |last=Pounder |title=Gibbs appointed to forest health council |url=http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20080213/NEWS/337077989 |work=Summit Daily News |date=February 13, 2008 |access-date=2008-02-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080503221503/http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20080213/NEWS/337077989 |archive-date=May 3, 2008 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Following the legislative session, Gibbs was also named the chairman of an interim legislative committee to study wildfire issues, but was criticized by Republicans for delaying the start of the committee's work.<ref name="wonder">{{cite news|first=Mike |last=Saccone |title=Republicans wonder what's up with Democrat-led wildfire panel |url=http://www.gjsentinel.com/hp/content/news/stories/2008/07/22/072308_committee_delay.html |work=Grand Junction Daily Sentinel |date=July 22, 2008 |access-date=2008-08-08 }}{{dead link|date=April 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> The following day, Gibbs announced plans for the committee's first meeting.<ref name="nounced">{{cite news|first=Mike |last=Saccone |title=Panel convening soon to discuss wildfire risk |url=http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/07/23/072408_5B_fire_panel.html |work=Grand Junction Daily Sentinel |date=July 23, 2008 |access-date=2008-08-08 }}{{dead link|date=April 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

In July 2008, Gibbs was a prominent critic of Denver Water's sudden closure of the Lake Dillon Dam Road for security reasons.<ref name="damclose">{{cite news |first=Joey |last=Bunch |title=Dillon Dam Road closed to cars |url=http://origin.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_9821382 |work=Denver Post |date=July 9, 2008 |access-date=2008-08-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122091708/http://origin.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_9821382 |archive-date=January 22, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="closingdam">{{cite news |first=Bill |last=Scanlon |title=Closing of Dillon Dam Road angers Summit officials |url=http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/jul/10/closing-of-dillon-dam-road-angers-summit/ |work=Rocky Mountain News |date=July 10, 2008 |access-date=2008-08-06 }}</ref> Shortly after the road was reopened, Gibbs and Rep. Christine Scanlan announced plans for legislation to prevent future unilateral closures and to encourage cooperation between agencies to share vulnerability assessments and emergency plans<ref name="damopen">{{cite news |first=Ashley |last=Dickson |title=Proposed law would keep Dam Road open |url=http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20080729/NEWS/808890270/1078&ParentProfile=1055 |work=Summit Daily News |date=July 29, 2008 |access-date=2008-08-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081024101323/http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20080729/NEWS/808890270/1078%26ParentProfile%3D1055 |archive-date=2008-10-24 }}</ref><ref name="newdil">{{cite press release |title=Rep. Scanlan & Sen. Gibbs Announce New Legislation To Protect Dillon Dam Road & Encourage Greater Cooperation |date=July 29, 2008 |url=http://cohousedems.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/07/rep-scanlan-sen-gibbs-announce-new-legislation-to-protect-dillon-dam-road-encourage-greater-cooperation.html |access-date=2008-08-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090207111352/http://cohousedems.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/07/rep-scanlan-sen-gibbs-announce-new-legislation-to-protect-dillon-dam-road-encourage-greater-cooperation.html |archive-date=2009-02-07 }}</ref>

===2008 election=== In the 2008 general election, Gibbs faced Republican Don Ytterberg, whom he had outraised roughly $80,000 to $50,000 by mid-October.<ref name="fitzg">{{cite news|first=Terese |last=Lichty |title=Two vie for Fitz-Gerald's former seat |url=http://www.dailycamera.com/news/2008/oct/10/two-vie-for-fitz-geralds-former-seat/ |work=Boulder Daily Camera |date=10 October 2008 |access-date=2008-11-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081010194730/http://www.dailycamera.com/news/2008/oct/10/two-vie-for-fitz-geralds-former-seat/ |archive-date=2008-10-10 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Gibbs cited his track record of passing legislation and his connections and experience at the state capitol as part of his case for re-election,<ref name="readyto"/><ref name="middlep">{{cite news |first=Katie |last=Looby |title=Granby — Candidates address Middle Park students' questions at forum |url=http://www.skyhidailynews.com/article/20081022/NEWS/810239997/1079&ParentProfile=1067&title=Granby%20—%20Candidates%20address%20Middle%20Park%20students%27%20questions%20at%20forum |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150522050207/http://www.skyhidailynews.com/article/20081022/NEWS/810239997/1079&ParentProfile=1067&title=Granby%20%E2%80%94%20Candidates%20address%20Middle%20Park%20students'%20questions%20at%20forum |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 22, 2015 |work=Sky Hi Daily News |date=22 October 2008 |access-date=2008-11-01 }}</ref> and named wildfire and business concerns as his major priorities for a continued term in the Colorado Senate.<ref name="skyhi">{{cite news |first=Katie |last=Hobdey |title=Conversation with Colorado Senator Dan Gibbs — candidate for District 16 |url=http://www.skyhidailynews.com/article/20080929/NEWS/809299977/1067%26title%3DConversation%20with%20Colorado%20Senator%20Dan%20Gibbs%20%E2%80%94%20candidate%20for%20District%2016 |work=Sky-Hi Daily News |date=29 September 2008 |access-date=2008-11-01 |archive-date=2008-11-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081102183812/http://www.skyhidailynews.com/article/20080929/NEWS/809299977/1067%26title%3DConversation%20with%20Colorado%20Senator%20Dan%20Gibbs%20%E2%80%94%20candidate%20for%20District%2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He also called for reducing business personal property taxes and growing local small businesses.<ref name="economy">{{cite news |first=Ashley |last=Dickson |title=Summit County: Senate candidates zero in on local economy |url=http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20081030/NEWS/810309946/1078&ParentProfile=1055&title=Senate%20candidates%20zero%20in%20on%20local%20economy%20 |date=30 October 2008 |access-date=2008-11-02 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150522045842/http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20081030/NEWS/810309946/1078&ParentProfile=1055&title=Senate%20candidates%20zero%20in%20on%20local%20economy%20 |archive-date=22 May 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Gibbs' re-election bid was endorsed by the ''Denver Post'',<ref name="dpsen">{{cite news |author=Editorial Board |title=The Post's picks for state Senate |url=http://www.denverpost.com/opinion/ci_10681469 |work=Denver Post |date=23 October 2008 |access-date=2008-11-01 }}</ref> the ''Summit Daily News'',<ref name="sumgib">{{cite news |author=Editorial Board |title=Dan Gibbs for Colo. Senate District 16 |url=http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20081020/OPINION/810209975/1024&title=Dan%20Gibbs%20for%20Colo.%20Senate%20District%2016 |work=Denver Post |date=20 October 2008 |access-date=2008-11-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224012206/http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20081020/OPINION/810209975/1024%26title%3DDan%20Gibbs%20for%20Colo.%20Senate%20District%2016 |archive-date=24 February 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and the ''Boulder Daily Camera'',<ref name="camerasen">{{cite news|author=Editorial Board |title=Camera's picks for State Senate |url=http://www.dailycamera.com/news/2008/oct/22/cameras-picks-for-state-senate/ |work=Boulder Daily Camera |date=22 October 2008 |access-date=2008-11-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081023104717/http://www.dailycamera.com/news/2008/oct/22/cameras-picks-for-state-senate/ |archive-date=2008-10-23 |url-status=dead }}</ref> the ''Arvada Press'', and the ''Golden Transcript''.<ref name="csend">{{cite news |first=Wendy |last=Norris |author2=Bob Spencer |title=State candidate endorsement watch |url=http://coloradoindependent.com/11911/state-candidate-endorsement-watch |work=Colorado Independent |date=3 November 2008 |access-date=2008-11-07 }}</ref> Gibbs raised over $100,000 during his campaign to Ytterberg's $60,000,<ref name="gibbskeeps"/> and ultimately won re-election with about 59 percent of the vote,<ref name="gen08">{{cite web|url=http://coreports.ezvotetally.com/Reserved.ReportViewerWebControl.axd?ReportSession=jexpso55dlbays450fyzrmb4&ControlID=3a1b317069f040849b2b689d78addfc9&Culture=1033&UICulture=1033&ReportStack=1&OpType=ReportArea&Controller=dnn_ctr376_ViewRS2005_ReportViewer1&PageNumber=1&ZoomMode=Percent&ZoomPct=100&ReloadDocMap=true&SearchStartPage=0&LinkTarget=_top |title=Colorado Statewide Cumulative Report - 2008 General Election |access-date=2008-12-04 |work=Colorado Secretary of State }}{{dead link|date=December 2016|bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> taking three-quarters of votes cast in Summit County, but losing narrowly to Ytterberg in suburban Jefferson County.<ref name="gibbskeeps">{{cite news |first=Ashley |last=Dickson |title=Gibbs keeps Senate seat with landslide Summit victory |url=http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20081105/NEWS/811059997/1078&ParentProfile=1055&title=Gibbs%20keeps%20Senate%20seat%20with%20landslide%20Summit%20victory |work=Summit Daily News |date=5 November 2008 |access-date=2008-11-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224012453/http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20081105/NEWS/811059997/1078%26ParentProfile%3D1055%26title%3DGibbs%20keeps%20Senate%20seat%20with%20landslide%20Summit%20victory |archive-date=24 February 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===2009 legislative session===

In the 2009 session of the Colorado General Assembly, Gibbs rose to chair the Senate Transportation Committee<ref name="rice">{{cite news |first=Bob |last=Mook |title=Rice to chair House business committee |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2008/11/17/daily25.html |work=Denver Business Journal |date=18 November 2008 |access-date=2008-11-23 }}</ref> and sat on the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.<ref name="sendem09">{{cite news|first=Erika |last=Jensen |title=Senate Democrats Announce Committee Assignments |url=http://www.thecherrycreeknews.com/content/view/3530/2/ |work=The Cherry Creek News |date=13 November 2008 |access-date=2008-11-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090109013850/http://www.thecherrycreeknews.com/content/view/3530/2/ |archive-date=January 9, 2009 }}</ref>

Gibbs missed some of the opening ceremonies of the 2009 General Assembly after being called to help fight a wildfire near Boulder, Colorado; his absence was cited by Gov. Ritter during the governor's "State of the State" address.<ref name="misses">{{cite news |author=Staff Reports |title=Summit County senator misses ceremony to fight wildfire |url=http://www.vaildaily.com/article/20090108/NEWS/901089897/1062&title=Summit%20County%20senator%20misses%20ceremony%20to%20fight%20wildfire |work=Vail Daily |date=9 December 2008 |access-date=2008-12-26 }}</ref><ref name="timeline">{{cite news |first=Lynn |last=Bartels |title=Timeline of 2009 State of the State address |url=http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2009/jan/08/timeline-2009-state-state-address/ |work=Rocky Mountain News |date=8 January 2009 |access-date=2009-01-10 }}</ref> With Rep. Christine Scanlan, Gibbs travelled to Washington DC in February and in June to lobby for resources to deal with Colorado's mountain pine beetle epidemic.<ref name="todc">{{cite news |first=Jeffrey |last=Wolf |title=State legislators heading to D.C. to ask for bark beetle help |url=http://www.9news.com/news/local/article.aspx?storyid=110618&catid=346 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130116022140/http://www.9news.com/news/local/article.aspx?storyid=110618&catid=346 |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 January 2013 |work=9News.com |date=24 February 2009 |access-date=2009-12-21 }}</ref><ref name="runyon">{{cite news |first=David O. |last=Williams |title=Scanlan, Gibbs, Runyon take beetle battle inside Beltway |url=http://www.realvail.com/RealNews/584/Scanlan-Gibbs-Runyon-take-beetle-battle-inside-Beltway.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130201065642/http://www.realvail.com/RealNews/584/Scanlan-Gibbs-Runyon-take-beetle-battle-inside-Beltway.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 February 2013 |work=RealVail.com |date=25 February 2009 |access-date=2009-12-21}}</ref><ref name="killhill">{{cite news |first=David O. |last=Williams |title=Beetle kill on the Hill; Colorado lawmakers make funding case in D.C. |url=http://coloradoindependent.com/31436/beetle-kill-on-the-hill-colorado-lawmakers-make-funding-case-in-dc |work=Colorado Independent |date=17 June 2009 |access-date=2009-12-21}}</ref>

Gibbs was the Senate sponsor of a major transportation proposal, introduced by Rep. Joe Rice and backed by Gov. Bill Ritter and other Democratic leaders, to increase transportation funding by $250 million per year, primarily for road and bridge repair, by increasing a range of vehicle registration fees.<ref name="ritterbus">{{cite news |first=Jeffrey |last=Leib |title=Ritter, business allies unveil highway bill |url=http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_11452641 |work=Denver Post |date=14 January 2009 |access-date=2009-02-08 }}</ref><ref name="unveils">{{cite news |first=Tillie |last=Fong |author2=Ed Sealover |title=Ritter unveils road plan that ups car registrations $20-$50 |url=http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2009/jan/14/ritter-unveils-road-funding-plan-ups-car-registrat/ |work=Rocky Mountain News |date=14 January 2009 |access-date=2009-02-08 }}</ref> The proposal, labeled "FASTER," an acronym for Funding Advancement for Surface Transportation and Economic Recovery,<ref name="faster">{{cite news |first=Cathy |last=Proctor |title=Plan to generate transportation funds unveiled at Colorado statehouse |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2009/01/12/daily43.html |work=Denver Business Journal |date=14 January 2009 |access-date=2009-02-08 }}</ref> stalled in the state senate, but advanced after a compromise was reached to drop a pilot program to charge drivers based on vehicle miles travelled and to allow locally authorized toll roads.<ref name="compromise">{{cite news |first=David O. |last=Williams |title=Lawmakers reach compromise on transportation funding bill |url=http://coloradoindependent.com/20836/lawmakers-reach-compromise-on-transportation-funding-bill |work=Colorado Independent |date=4 February 2009 |access-date=2009-12-21}}</ref><ref name="breakdown">{{cite news |first=John |last=Schroyer |title=Talks over auto fees break down in Denver |url=http://www.gazette.com/articles/bill-47438-republicans-funding.html |work=Colorado Springs Gazette |date=4 February 2009 |access-date=2009-12-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609113823/http://www.gazette.com/articles/bill-47438-republicans-funding.html |archive-date=9 June 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and eventually passed out of the legislature,<ref name="highercar">{{cite news |first=Colleen |last=Slevin |title=Higher car fees gain backing |url=http://www.denverpost.com/theeconomy/ci_11637805 |work=Denver Post |date=5 February 2009 |access-date=2009-12-21}}</ref><ref name="officially">{{cite news |first=Ed |last=Sealover |title=Faster bill officially through Senate |url=http://blogs.rockymountainnews.com/live_from_the_colorado_legislature/archives/2009/02/faster_bill_off.html |work=Rocky Mountain News |date=5 February 2009 |access-date=2009-12-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720145231/http://blogs.rockymountainnews.com/live_from_the_colorado_legislature/archives/2009/02/faster_bill_off.html |archive-date=20 July 2011 }}</ref> FASTER was passed without the support of Republicans, who objected to the level of fee increases and called for resources besides fees to be used to support transportation.<ref name="roadrepair">{{cite news |first=Bob |last=Mook |title=Lawmakers advance road-repair measure |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2009/02/16/daily22.html |work=Denver Business Journal |date=17 February 2009 |access-date=2009-12-21}}</ref><ref name="roadblock">{{cite news |first=John |last=Ingold |title=FASTER plan to raise car fees clears final roadblock |url=http://www.denverpost.com/technology/ci_11782682 |work=Denver Post |date=25 February 2009 |access-date=2009-12-20}}</ref> The increased registration fees drew significant protest from the public when they took effect in July 2009.<ref name="fuming">{{cite news |first=Bob |last=Berwyn |title=Summit County drivers fuming over new fees |url=http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20090715/NEWS/907149978/1055 |work=Summit Daily News |date=15 July 2009 |access-date=2009-12-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090718051652/http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20090715/NEWS/907149978/1055 |archive-date=18 July 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="ebb">{{cite news |first=Lynn |last=Bartels |title=Late fees start to ebb, along with vehicle owners' ire |url=http://www.denverpost.com/technology/ci_13870882 |work=Denver Post |date=26 November 2009 |access-date=2009-12-21}}</ref>

Other legislation sponsored by Gibbs included bills to extend Colorado's habitat stamp program,<ref name="fiery">{{cite news |first=Charlie |last=Meyers |title=Habitat stamp fix sets up fiery debate |url=http://www.denverpost.com/charlie/ci_11830133 |work=Denver Post |date=4 March 2009 |access-date=2009-12-21}}</ref><ref name="hstamp">{{cite news |first=Joe |last=Hanel |title=Senate panel OKs changes to Habitat Stamp |url=http://durangoherald.com/sections/News/2009/03/06/Senate_panel_OKs_changes_to_Habitat_Stamp/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090308184042/http://www.durangoherald.com/sections/News/2009/03/06/Senate_panel_OKs_changes_to_Habitat_Stamp/ |archive-date=8 March 2009 |work=Durango Herald |date=6 March 2009 |access-date=2009-12-21 |url-status=dead }}</ref> to create a specialty license plate for skiing and snowboarding,<ref name="solon">{{cite news |first=Steve |last=Lipsher |title=Summit County solons push for new plates |url=http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20090309/NEWS/903089968/1055&title=Summit%20County%20solons%20push%20for%20new%20plates%20 |work=Summit Daily News |date=9 March 2009 |access-date=2009-12-21 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150522045722/http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20090309/NEWS/903089968/1055&title=Summit%20County%20solons%20push%20for%20new%20plates%20 |archive-date=22 May 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="boarder">{{cite news |first=David O. |last=Williams |title=New Colorado skier plate could touch off Utah boarder war |url=http://coloradoindependent.com/23481/new-colorado-skier-plate-could-touch-off-utah-boarder-war |work=Colorado Independent |date=10 March 2009 |access-date=2009-12-21}}</ref> to overhaul regulations on oil and gas drilling operations,<ref name="rewrite">{{cite news |first=Peter |last=Marcus |title=Oil, gas rules rewrite nears passing |url=http://www.thedenverdailynews.com/article.php?aID=3713 |work=Denver Daily News |date=25 March 2009 |access-date=2009-12-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090327111146/http://www.thedenverdailynews.com/article.php?aID=3713 |archive-date=27 March 2009 }}</ref> and to facilitate local planning and fundraising for fighting wildfires.<ref name="wfbills">{{cite news |author=Staff Report |title=Vail rep's wildfire bills pass House |url=http://www.vaildaily.com/article/20090331/NEWS/903319959/1078&ParentProfile=1062&title=Vail%20rep's%20wildfire%20bills%20pass%20House |work=Vail Daily News |date=30 June 2009 |access-date=2009-12-20}}</ref>

Gibbs was also viewed as one of the crucial swing votes on a measure to repeal the death penalty in Colorado and use the resulting savings to fund a statewide cold case unit.<ref name="onevote">{{cite news |first=John |last=Schroyer |title=Democrats fall one vote shy of repealing death penalty |url=http://www.gazette.com/articles/death-53108-gazette-repeal.html |work=Colorado Springs Gazette |date=7 May 2009 |access-date=2009-12-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609113829/http://www.gazette.com/articles/death-53108-gazette-repeal.html |archive-date=9 June 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Although he first voted to remove the death penalty repeal from the legislation,<ref name="reeling">{{cite news |first=Jessica |last=Fender |title=Death-penalty foes reeling as rewrite imperils bill |url=http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_12294769 |work=Denver Post |date=5 May 2009 |access-date=2009-12-21}}</ref><ref name="rejectsr">{{cite news |first=Dean |last=Toda |title=Senate rejects death penalty repeal |url=http://www.gazette.com/articles/death-52950-repeal-state.html |work=Colorado Springs Gazette |date=2 May 2009 |access-date=2009-12-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609113836/http://www.gazette.com/articles/death-52950-repeal-state.html |archive-date=9 June 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> he later voted in support of a version of the bill containing the repeal, which came within one vote of passing the legislature on the final day of the session.<ref name="onevote"/>

In January 2009, Gibbs was named one of the Western Colorado Conservation Corps' Legislators of the Year,<ref name="awardcorps">{{cite news |first=Sharon |last=Sullivan |title=Fruita teen wins state award for conservation work |url=http://www.gjfreepress.com/article/20090129/COMMUNITY_NEWS/901289986/1001/NONE&parentprofile=1059&title=Fruita%20teen%20wins%20state%20award%20for%20conservation%20work |work=Grand Junction Free Press |date=29 January 2009 |access-date=2009-04-20 }}</ref> and in May 2009, he was the keynote speaker at Summit High School's graduation.<ref name="passions">{{cite news |first=Robert |last=Allen |title=Gibbs to graduates: 'Follow your passions' |url=http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20090523/NEWS/905239997/1078&ParentProfile=1055 |work=Summit Daily News |date=23 May 2009 |access-date=2009-12-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090530042615/http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20090523/NEWS/905239997/1078%26ParentProfile%3D1055 |archive-date=30 May 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===2010 election=== In November 2009, Gibbs announced that, rather than running for re-election to the state senate in fall of 2010, he would run for the Summit County Commissioner seat being vacated by Bob French. Gibbs's retirement opened up a seat that Republicans viewed as a pickup opportunity.<ref name="summitc">{{cite news |first=Bob |last=Berwyn |title=Dan Gibbs will run for Summit County commissioner |url=http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20091116/NEWS/911169997/1078&ParentProfile=1055 |work=Summit Daily News |date=16 November 2009 |access-date=2009-12-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224015351/http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20091116/NEWS/911169997/1078%26ParentProfile%3D1055 |archive-date=24 February 2012 }}</ref><ref name="author">{{cite news |first=Ed |last=Sealover |title=Gibbs, Colorado Senate's author of highway-funding bill, to step down |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2009/11/16/daily9.html |work=Denver Business Journal |date=16 November 2009 |access-date=2009-12-21}} </ref>

In 2014, Gibbs discussed his preference for local politics: “At the state level, it’s much more about whether you are a Republican or a Democrat and winning and losing, rather than making decisions that are good for Colorado. The more dysfunctional things get at the federal and state levels, the more people seem to come together at the local level to accomplish goals that are important to communities.”<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.summitdaily.com/news/summit-county-commissioner-dan-gibbs-announces-re-election-campaign/|title=Summit County Commissioner Dan Gibbs announces re-election campaign|website=www.summitdaily.com}}</ref>

In November 2014, he defeated Republican Allen Bacher, winning re-election by over 66 percent of the vote.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.summitdaily.com/news/gibbs-handily-beats-bacher-to-win-re-election/|title=Gibbs handily beats Bacher to win re-election|website=www.summitdaily.com}}</ref>

==Department of Natural Resources== On January 9, 2019, Governor Jared Polis nominated Gibbs to serve as the executive director of Colorado's Department of Natural Resources. Following his service in the Colorado General Assembly, Gibbs served on the Board of County Commissioners of Summit County, Colorado. Gibbs was first elected as county commissioner in 2010 and was sworn in during 2011.<ref>{{cite news |last=Nath |first=Caddie |date=2011-01-11 |title= Gibbs on Board with Summit County Commissioners |url= https://www.summitdaily.com/news/gibbs-on-board-with-summit-county-commissioners/ |work=Summit Daily |access-date=2020-04-23 }}</ref> He resigned as county commissioner in January 2019<ref name="Dutta 2019" /> and was confirmed by the state senate and sworn in as Department of Natural Resources executive director on February 5, 2019.<ref>{{cite news |last=Dutta |first=Deepan |date=2019-02-05 |title= Former Summit County Commissioner confirmed as director of Colorado's Department of Natural Resources |url= https://www.summitdaily.com/news/former-summit-county-commissioner-confirmed-as-director-of-colorados-department-of-natural-resources/ |work=Summit Daily |access-date=2020-04-23 }}</ref> During his tenure, Gibbs, a certified wildland firefighter, worked in his firefighter role on the 2020 Grizzly Creek Fire.<ref name="CPRFires2020">{{cite news |title=Colorado Wildfire Updates For Aug. 20: Maps, Evacuations, Closures, Fire Growth And More |url=https://www.cpr.org/2020/08/20/colorado-wildfire-updates-2020-evacuations-closures-size-4/ |access-date=1 September 2020 |work=Colorado Public Radio |language=en}}</ref>

==References==

{{reflist}}

==External links== * [https://cdnr.us/#/leader/Dan%20Gibbs Colorado Department of Natural Resources bio]

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Gibbs, Dan}} Category:Colorado state senators Category:Democratic Party members of the Colorado House of Representatives Category:Living people Category:Western Colorado University alumni Category:University of Colorado Denver alumni Category:1970s births Category:People from Gunnison, Colorado Category:People from East Lansing, Michigan Category:People from Summit County, Colorado Category:County commissioners in Colorado Category:State cabinet secretaries of Colorado Category:21st-century members of the Colorado General Assembly Category:Year of birth missing (living people)