UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Reliant Energy Inc. has provided a grant of $7,500 to Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences for continued support of the college's air quality research and educational programs during the 2005-2006 academic year.

As part of Reliant's Environmental Partners program, the gift provides base funding for research on the effects of ozone on forest and plant health and helps the college attract additional grant funds from state and federal sources.

Since acquiring the electric generating plants formerly owned by GPU Inc. in 2000, Reliant has provided nearly $50,000 in grants to Penn State for air quality research, continuing a history of support begun by GPU in 1991. Combined, the companies have contributed about $120,000 to the program.

"Good science is critical to understanding the potential effects that power generation has on the environment," says Vincent Brisini, air resources manager for Reliant Energy Mid-Atlantic. "If we are to have appropriate regulations and protect our native plants -- such as black cherry and other economically important hardwood species -- from the potential effects of ozone, we need to do sound research, while training the next generation of environmental scientists."

The funding from Reliant helps to support five air quality monitoring stations maintained by Penn State in forested areas throughout north-central Pennsylvania, in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. The College of Agricultural Sciences also monitors ozone effects on grapes at Penn State's Fruit Research and Extension Center in Adams County.

Reliant Energy financial support also has been instrumental in establishing and maintaining the Air Quality Learning and Demonstration Center in The Arboretum at Penn State. "Without this support, maintaining the center's activities would be difficult," says Dennis Decoteau, director of the center and professor of horticulture and plant ecosystem health. "As state and federal funds decline, private-sector support such as this is critical to continuing this important work."

In addition to supporting research, Reliant hosts an annual field trip at the coal-fired Conemaugh Electric Generating Station near Johnstown -- which is equipped with some of the latest pollution-control technology -- for students enrolled in Penn State's Air Pollution Effects on Terrestrial Ecosystems class.

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EDITORS: Vincent Brisini can be reached by phone at 724-597-8037 or by e-mail at drd10@psu.edu. A photo of Vincent Brisini (pictured at left) and Dennis Decoteau at Penn State's Air Quality Learning and Demonstration Center is available for download at http://aginfo.psu.edu/News/june05/airquality.jpg.

Writer-Editor: Chuck Gill Office 814-863-2713