For information contact: Contact: Isabel Kaldenbach
Buckley Kaldenbach, Inc., 703-979-3076

Arlington, Va., February 14, 2001 -- Efficient and renewable energy will be the subject of the 23rd annual meeting for Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment (ACE), an event which will also feature display of a hybrid electric/gasoline car. The program will examine the transitions underway in worldwide energy systems, in response to increasing pressures on fossil fuel reserves. The crisis in California and the upcoming debates on increased oil drilling in federal reserves are likely to increase public focus on energy use. The ACE program will include speakers and exhibitors from ACE, BP Solar, Sustainable Design Group, the Virginia Housing and Environment Network, and local Honda and Toyota dealerships, as well as functioning as the annual meeting for ACE members. "BP Solar is thrilled with the enormous growth in and attention to renewable energy. Whenever people begin examining their energy options, solar and renewables look good," said Bo Harmon, spokesman for BP Solar. "The technology of solar has advanced tremendously in the last five years and costs are competitive in more and more markets, so we're excited that groups such as ACE are working to spread the word about these advancements." "We are delighted to welcome the partnership of BP Solar and our other partners in this annual event," said Martin Ogle, ACE chairman. Co-sponsors include Arlington County's Energy Office, Virginia Cooperative Extension (Arlington Office), and Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority. The program will be held at the Arlington County Central Library, 1500 N. Quincy Street, on Tuesday, March 6 at 7 pm, and is open to the public at no charge. BP Solar is the largest solar company in the US with global headquarters near Washington DC. Its largest crystalline panel (traditional solar panels) plant is operated in Maryland while Virginia is home to its largest thin film plant - thin film is a revolutionary new design that can be easily used as a building material. With a 20 percent global market share and revenues around $200 million, BP Solar sells solar systems to over 160 countries around the world. Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment is a nonprofit educational and service organization funded primarily by the Arlington County Department of Environmental Services. Persons interested in attending the conference should contact ACE, at 703-228-6427 or see the website at www.capaccess.org/ace.