On Wednesday, Sen. Bernie Sanders was joined by leaders from Green Mountain Power to celebrate the expansion of solar development in Rutland, Vt. The project would put Rutland on a path to generate 10 megawatts of solar power by the end of 2015, making it the highest per-capita of solar reliance of any city in New England.

“At a time when it is clear that global warming poses the greatest threat the planet has ever faced, I am very pleased that Green Mountain Power is making great strides in its effort to make Rutland, Vermont the solar capital of New England,” Sen. Sanders said.  “Their success in Rutland, working with local community partners, to dramatically expand solar energy in the city is extraordinary.  I applaud the outstanding work being done here, which shows the rest of the country that we can transform our energy system from foreign oil to sustainable energy.”

The announcement today marks a significant expansion of the plans set out last year by Green Mountain Power which had set the projects goal of generating 6.25 megawatts by 2017.