Governor Ritter has appointed Michael Bennet as a replacement for Interior Secretary-nominee Ken Salazar. The former Denver Public Schools Superintendent has been a leader in education, and we anticipate that his outside of the box thinking will help bring needed change to Washington.

We can't solve today's problems with yesterday's solutions – this is an excellent opportunity for a new perspective in the Senate on issues facing both our economy and environment.

As Bennet steps up to the Senate, he'll play a part in passing an Economic Recovery Plan. Now is the time to repower America, transitioning from our pollution-based economy to one fueled by clean energy. An investment of $150 billion in wind, solar, energy efficiency, and public transit projects that will create millions of new jobs across the country, giving our economy the boost it needs.

Colorado has been a forerunner in renewable energy. Bennet can take Coloradans' lead in clean energy to the federal level by supporting a National Renewable Energy Standard.

Bennet will also likely come across a climate bill in the next 2 years. Our suggestion for him? Endorse a bill that reduces heat-trapping global warming pollution 80 percent by 2050 to avoid the worst effects of global warming.

And finally, instead of allowing the oil and gas industry to destroy our wilderness, Bennett can support statewide vision for wilderness protection of Colorado's most pristine and valuable landscapes from mining, drilling and logging.

Bennet has said his approach is that "there is no challenge without a solution and no problem too tough to withstand innovative thinking." In 2009, this is the attitude and style that we need in Washington.