FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 20, 2008

Contacts:
Elizabeth Crowe, Kentucky Environmental Foundation, 859-986-0868

WHAT:
"EKPC's Energy Crossroads" A press conference to release the report: A Portfolio for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy for the East Kentucky Power Cooperative.
Followed by a report briefing, with light refreshments provided.

Sponsored by the Cumberland Chapter of the Sierra Club, Kentucky Environmental Foundation, and Kentuckians for the Commonwealth.

WHEN:
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
10:30 AM

WHERE:
112 West High St. (between Limestone and Upper), downtown Lexington, KY
Limited parking next to the building; please plan on arriving with enough time to park.

WHO:
* Elizabeth Crowe, Director, Kentucky Environmental Foundation
* Susan Zinga, Consultant on Energy Efficiency Programs
* Andy McDonald, Coordinator, Appalachia - Science in the Public Interest, Kentucky Solar Partnership
* Dr. Vicki Holmberg, Lexington Physician
* Jason Bailey, Research and Policy Director, Mountain Association for Community Economic Development

WHY:
East Kentucky Power Cooperative (EKPC) has proposed a new coal-fired power plant - called Smith 1 - to be sited in Clark County, Kentucky. Considering rising costs of coal, coal plants' dangerous soot emissions, heavy metals and greenhouse gases, and pending regulatory crack-downs, reliance on a new coal-fired power plant for electricity is a poor choice for Kentucky's economy and health.

EKPC can meet electricity demand without building another costly coal-fired power plant. At this press conference and briefing, the Cumberland Chapter of the Sierra Club, Kentucky Environmental Foundation and Kentuckians for the Commonwealth will release a portfolio report of energy efficiency and renewable energy options for EKPC. The report, written by Susan Zinga and Andy McDonald, includes projected costs and outcomes for proven energy efficiency and renewable energy programs which can provide Kentucky's electric cooperative customers with reliable electricity while protecting our health, preserving environmental quality, lowering customer electricity bills, spurring economic development, and strengthening electric cooperatives by expanding and diversifying their electricity sources.

VISUALS/INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES: Interview opportunities: experts in the area of energy efficiency and renewable energy; citizens, doctors, electric cooperative customers advocating clean energy as an alternative to a coal-fired power plant. Visuals include images of power plants and emissions; chart of portfolio report recommendations.

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