COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 2, 1998 -- American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP) reacted today to the revelation that Northeast states have been blaming the Midwest states for their smog problems, knowing full well that the problems come from within their own borders.

Using documents obtained from Northeast states through the Federal Freedom of Information Act, the Midwest Ozone Group pieced together a jigsaw of conspiracy, obfuscation and tactical delays.

"The information shows that the Northeast states have not done all that is required to comply with the Clean Air Act," said Dale Heydlauff, vice president of environmental affairs for AEP. "For example, the states have yet to put in place programs to control mobile sources, on the cars and trucks that clog their roads. They complain it´s a politically unpopular move. The documents show they are resorting to delays, resisting the mandate, and in some cases, outright defying it."

Noting a specific document, Heydlauff said, "Although we suspected as much, it was disheartening to read in black and white that the entire Section 126 imbroglio last fall was instigated by EPA as a ´political cover´ against the Midwest."

Heydlauff continued, "The big picture is, the Midwest is not the source of the Northeast´s smog problems, and the Northeast states -- and EPA -- know it. The documents paint an ugly portrait, confirming our contentions that the EPA has colluded with the states in a disingenuous scheme to shift blame and an economic burden to the Midwest."

AEP, a global energy company, is one of the United States´ largest investor-owned utilities, providing energy to 2.9 million customers in Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee and Kentucky. AEP has holdings in the United States, the United Kingdom and China. Wholly owned subsidiaries provide power engineering, consulting and management services around the world. The company is based in Columbus, Ohio.