GUARAQUECABA, Brazil, Oct. 13, 2005 – Today, representatives from American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP) and General Motors (GM) dedicated a new visitors´ center for environmental education on the Cachoeira River Natural Reserve, located in the state of Parana in Brazil.

The dedication highlights AEP´s involvement in the Guaraquecaba Climate Action Project, a multi-faceted effort to protect and restore 17,000 acres of threatened and degraded rainforest in Southeastern Brazil. The Guaraquecaba Climate Action Project is part of the Guaraquecaba Environmental Protection Area, which is the largest remaining remnant of Atlantic rainforest in Brazil. Since becoming involved in 1998, AEP has contributed $6.5 million for the purchase of land, reforestation and the construction of the visitors´ center and other facilities. Other project partners are GM, The Nature Conservancy and SPVS (Society for Wildlife Research and Environmental Education).

"AEP has a long history of involvement with reforestation and forest protection projects, both in the United States and South America," said Dennis Welch, AEP senior vice president -- environment and safety. "The rainforest is a critical element in our global ecosystem. We are proud to partner with GM, SPVS and The Nature Conservancy to help preserve this portion of the Brazilian rainforest and at the same time provide economic and social development opportunities for local communities."

The dedication of the visitors´ center culminates a project that began more than five years ago. The center serves the local community and visitors to the region with educational resources and activities. It also supports field operations to continue the restoration of the adjacent rainforest. Various presentation and training rooms, exhibits, interactive modules and kiosks that illustrate the program’s contribution to environmental awareness and action also are located within the center. In addition, a nature trail has been developed for visitors to experience the reserve and the habitats it serves to protect.

The Guaraquecaba Climate Action Project is designed to return cleared and overharvested rainforest to its natural state while also providing sustainable development, Welch said. Rainforests are an important part of the Earth´s carbon capture process but are under extreme pressure as local populations expand and seek new harvestable land. AEP is helping to provide growth by funding reforestation and maintenance of native tree species and other sustainable agricultural projects.

American Electric Power owns more than 36,000 megawatts of generating capacity in the United States and is the nation´s largest electricity generator. AEP is also one of the largest electric utilities in the United States, with more than 5 million customers linked to AEP´s 11-state electricity transmission and distribution grid. The company is based in Columbus, Ohio.