It’s official. Sen. Matt Jones of Louisville will be the new conservation and climate czar for the state Senate Democrats.

The position has been talked about–and reported on twice by ColoradoPolitics.com-since the minority caucus in the upper chamber elected leaders after the election for the session that begins Jan. 11.

Monday, Senate Democratic leader Lucia Guzman of Denver announced Jones will be the first deputy minority leader for conservation, clean energy and the climate change.

“Conserving our natural environment is critical to maintaining the Colorado way of life and our continued economic growth as a state,” Guzman said in a statement. “Colorado has been at the forefront of the new energy economy for many years, creating additional job opportunities and continuing to generate new dollars in economic activity. This is one of our main agenda items because we know this is what the vast majority of Coloradans want for the future of our state. That’s why with this new position, Sen. Jones, and the Senate minority caucus, will work to protect our public lands, keep our environment clean, address climate change, and build on our renewable energy.”

The official announcement follows one last week by Senate Republicans, who are forming a select committee on energy and the environment.

Senate Democrats said Jones’ position would:

“Regardless of what direction the new (Trump) administration wants to take our country in the areas of renewable energy or fighting climate change, Colorado needs to stay ahead of the curve as it has done for years,” Jones stated. “It is integral to our identity and our brand as a state to have clean air, clean water, and protected public lands, all of which are major reasons why we have such a booming tourism industry.”