WHAT: Earth Festival 2003, sponsored by the Penn Environmental Group, with the theme "Thinking about Alternative Energy" and highlighted by the announcement of Penn's latest commitment to using renewable wind energy. The event will also feature displays on environmental issues and research, including displays of Penn's alternative-fuel vehicles, powered by natural gas and electricity.

WHO: Omar Blaik, vice president of facilities and real estate services at the University of Pennsylvania

Brent Alderfer, president of Community Energy Inc.

Members of PEG, the Student Environmental Action Coalition, the League of Conservation Voters, Penn Students for Animal Rights and others will make informational materials available.

WHEN: The announcement of Penn's new wind energy purchase will take place at 2:15 p.m., Monday, April 21; the event will continue until 5 p.m., in advance of Tuesday's national observance of Earth Day.

WHERE: College Green, in front of the Van Pelt Library on the Penn campus.

WHY: The Earth Festival is part of Earth Week 2003, an assortment of events designed to raise campus awareness of environmental concerns and educate the Penn community on the availability of alternative energy sources that can reduce dependency on and emissions from fossil fuels. The festival will also showcase the benefits of activities such as recycling and transportation alternatives.

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