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Note #8686 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

05168
March 30, 2005

Firm includes PC(USA) views in annual report
 
Cinergy shareholders weigh in on global warming, greenhouse gases 

by Toya Richards Hill

LOUISVILLE - Cinergy Corp. is addressing the problem of global warming by
making plans to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases from its plants.

	The global energy company is inviting its stakeholders to be partners
in the effort and to help finds ways of getting it done.

	In its 2004 annual report, the Cincinnati, OH-based company outlines
its plans  to address the problem. It also has interviewed a host of
stakeholders - among them the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) - about finding
common ground on the issue.

	"We wondered what our stakeholders thought about global warming and
our voluntary plans to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions," Cinergy said in
its report. "Do they believe it is vital that we find common ground? We
decided to find out by interviewing people who represent our stakeholders."

	One of the people interviewed was the Rev. Bill Somplatsky-Jarman,
associate for Mission Responsibility Through Investment (MRTI) and
Environmental Justice for the PC(USA). The church, a long-term investor in
Cinergy, has expressed concern about global climate change since 1987, and
has been working with Cinergy on the issue for almost three years.

	Cinergy's focus on global warming in its report is "a significant
sign that the company is serious about trying to find solutions to this
problem," Somplatsky-Jarman said Wednesday. "We all have to take a part in
it, and we are very pleased that they are taking the lead.

	"I know of no other company that has done this."

	Cinergy collaborated with MRTI last year in creating the company's
Air Issues Report to Stakeholders. It also has taken steps to reduce its
dependence on coal, including the conversion of one of its oldest
coal-powered plants to natural gas, and has co-sponsored a national summit on
the future of coal.

	"The key thing here is recognizing that it (global warming) is a
major problem that needs addressing," Somplatsky-Jarman said. "They (Cinergy)
recognize the need for immediate action."

	Along with investors, Cinergy also has customers, employees,
policymakers, regulators and others weighing in on the issue in its annual
report.

	"I'm sure you might expect us to duck this issue. After all, we burn
25 to 30 million tons of coal each year," James E. Rogers, Cinergy's
president and board chairman, said in a letter to stakeholders included in
the report.
 
	However, he added, "To simply avoid this debate and fail to
understand the implications of the regulation of carbon dioxide and
greenhouse gases for our company is not an option."

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