Ah, thank god the session has ended!

If you read Susan Greene's column in the Denver Post last week [http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_12281752] you're probably groaning right now saying "oh great, one more person complaining about one of the greatest privileges that there is— actively participating in democracy." And yes, Greene has a point, but so do all of the lobbyists and lawmakers who streamed out of the capitol on Wednesday like high school students who finally passed finals... this was a tough session.

Something was different this year. Perhaps it was the billion dollar budget shortfall. Perhaps it was the economic crisis gripping the nation. Perhaps it was the intensity and euphoria and Obama-mania of the 2008 election season that left the state's politicos exhausted even before the opening day speeches started.  But when the dust had settled, it was clear that for the third year in a row clean energy came out a winner.

Searching for a way to climb out of our economic recession and ensure that we emerge stronger, Colorado lawmakers put a "green recovery" at the core of their strategy.  All told, we passed over 10 pieces of legislation that not only will help clean up our air and water by accelerating the transition to more clean energy, but will also help continue to build what has been a bright spot in the Colorado economy-- the state's blossoming solar and wind industry.

So while it was a long four months, it was well worth it.  The most important problem our society faces is cutting down our global warming pollution, and we made progress on that challenge while growing good jobs and boosting investment.  This is something to celebrate, and certainly a privilege to be a part of.

Pam Kiely, Legislative Director for Environment Colorado