Vermont could become a model for the nation in developing sustainable sources of clean energy to help reverse global warming, Sen. Bernie Sanders said on Monday. Coupled with advancements in the state's current leadership on energy efficiency, Sanders said Vermont could become a showcase for the best ways to address climate change. "Vermont is a small state. We cannot solve global warming by ourselves, but we can be a model for the nation and help make America a model for the world," he said.

To read the senator's remarks, click here.

Addressing the Vermont Clean Energy Investment Summit, Sanders mentioned two ways to reverse global warming - and create good-paying jobs in the process - by bolstering investments in energy efficiency and sustainable energy. 

A concept called "on-bill financing" helps homeowners, businesses and school systems work with utilities or other lenders to provide upfront funds for energy upgrades. According to Efficiency Vermont, a $10,000 investment in better insulation, caulking, efficient lighting and windows, or a furnace upgrade could save a typical Vermont homeowner $825 a year on energy bills. A member of the Senate energy committee, Sanders introduced legislation to encourage on-bill financing to let consumers tap into their energy savings to pay for improvements over time.

The senator also advocated creation of a Clean Energy Bank to work with private investors and pension funds.  The bank would provide a mechanism to leverage public incentives for investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy. Connecticut already has such a bank. Sanders said it lets private investors make a fair profit while attracting resources for clean energy.

He was joined at the summit by Gov. Peter Shumlin.

Maj. Gen. Michael Dubie, the adjutant general of the Vermont National Guard, spoke about a major investment in solar power at the guard's base in South Burlington.

Richard Kauffman, one of the country's leading experts on private-sector investments in clean energy and a top aide to U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu, also addressed the conference.