WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) issued this statement today following Interior Secretary Ken Salazar's announcement that he will return to Colorado in March:

"I want to extend my thanks and best wishes to Ken Salazar for his years in public office and dedicated service as Secretary of the Interior.

"Over the last four years Ken has worked tirelessly to expand our nation's domestic energy resources and worked with tribal leaders to build stronger, healthier Native American communities. He has been a steward of our public lands, creating spaces like the Valle del Oro and Rio Mora National Wildlife Refuges in New Mexico, and with initiatives like America's Great Outdoors, he has encouraged a renewed commitment to conservation for the 21st century that will benefit generations to come.

"Jill and I wish him and his family well as he returns to Colorado."