October 30, 2003

Contact: Thurm Brendlinger, Clean Air Council
(215) 567-4004 ext. 271, brendlinger@cleanair.org

CLEAN AIR COUNCIL'S "CLEAN ENERGY CHALLENGE" WEBSITE TEACHES STUDENTS A NEW PATH FOR A HEALTHIER FUTURE

Philadelphia, PA - Clean Air Council and the Sustainable Development Fund are launching an interactive website www.cleanenergychallenge.org. The site allows students to explore renewable electricity generation and energy conservation and efficiency options for a healthier environment.

Clean, efficient energy sources are critical to a sustainable future. This website teaches students the significance and effectiveness of choosing renewable energy sources so that the nation does not have to continue to expend its limited fossil fuel resources (coal, oil, and natural gas). Consequences of a non-renewable energy-based economy include a reliance on unstable foreign oil, air emissions harmful to public health and the environment, radioactive waste and reliance on a capital-intensive centralized energy system.

The opportunities to use and invest in cleaner energy are growing. The six major clean energy options, already available in Pennsylvania, are wind energy, solar energy, hydropower, geothermal energy, biomass, and fuel cells. By choosing these options, households and businesses can reduce pollution impact on air, water, and land.

Through education and public awareness, this new interactive website will enable individuals to take advantage of their clean energy options, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability, public health, and economic prosperity.

This website project, designed by "AHA! interactive" from Chicago, IL, is supported by a comprehensive group of organizations who advocate sustainable energy development. These include the Alliance to Save Energy, Center for Resource Solutions, Delaware Aerospace Education Foundation, The Franklin Institute Science Museum, Pace University, Pennsylvania Environmental Council, Sustainable Energy Fund, US Department of Energy, US Environmental Protection Agency, and the Whitaker Center for Science and Arts.

Clean Air Council is a regional environmental group that focuses on the development of clean energy policy in addition to its air pollution, transportation, waste reduction and recycling, and indoor air quality programs. Its Pennsylvania Wind Campaign has helped make Pennsylvania the leader in the Eastern United States for wind energy development. Learn more about the Council at its website www.cleanair.org.

The Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) offers innovative financing in the areas of renewable and clean energy. SDF is helping to make a sustainable energy future for Southeastern Pennsylvania, by promoting the use of renewable energy, energy conservation, and the development of sustainable energy businesses. For more information about the SDF please visit its website at www.trfund.com/sdf.

The Alliance to Save Energy-Green Schools Program helps schools use energy more efficiently through changes in the behavior of building users and changes in operational and maintenance routines. This program gives students high quality project-based learning, supports teachers with ongoing professional development, helps schools by decreasing energy bills, and protects the environment by saving energy. To find out more about the program visit www.ase.org/educators/index.

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Clean Air Council is committed to the belief that everyone has the right to breathe clean, healthful air. Founded in 1967, the Council is the oldest member-supported environmental organization in Pennsylvania. The Council's team of attorneys, community organizers, and policy analysts focuses its efforts on the following key areas: Clean Air Act, Clean Energy, Sustainable Transportation, Waste Reduction and Recycling, and Indoor Air Quality.