Avista, Calpine, Deutsche Bank Asset Management, PG&E, Recycled Energy Development and Warner Music Group Join Fastest-Growing Business Campaign Urging Action on Clean Energy/Climate Legislation

Largest National/Grassroots Business-Focused Effort Approaching 2,500-Member Milestone; Shared Focus: Unleashing Job Creation, Economic Revitalization of Clean Energy and Climate Action.

WASHINGTON, March 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Six well-known companies -- Avista, Calpine, Deutsche Bank Asset Management, PG&E, Recycled Energy Development and Warner Music Group -- are the latest to join the fast-growing ranks of the nonpartisan and nonprofit American Businesses for Clean Energy (ABCE), which now has about 2,500 members.  

At a news conference today, American Businesses for Clean Energy cited significant new momentum in the growth of the group, which is nearing 2,500 members. ABCE is comprised of a diverse group of businesses that support Congressional action to pass clean energy and climate legislation that will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  

ABCE said today that it now has members in 41 states -- with over 100 members in each of the following 11 states:  South Dakota; Oregon; Virginia; Alaska; Maine; South Carolina; Michigan; Washington state; Montana; Florida; and New Hampshire. (For a full list of ABCE members, go to

http://www.americanbusinessesforcleanenergy.org).  

The strong grassroots network of ABCE is an ideal counterpart to such major-company efforts as:  U.S. Climate Action Partnership (USCAP), an alliance of scores of major businesses and nonprofit groups; Ceres' Business for Innovative Climate and Energy Policy (BICEP), which includes 16 consumer-oriented companies advocating for strong climate and clean energy policies; and the 150-company We Can Lead campaign, which is sponsored by the Clean Economy Network and BICEP.

Christopher Van Atten, spokesperson, American Businesses for Clean Energy, said: "In just a few short months, roughly 2,500 businesses have signed up with American Businesses for Clean Energy -- and hundreds more are joining each week. ABCE is the gathering place for businesses united behind the goal of advancing comprehensive clean energy legislation that will create jobs and unleash innovation, while cutting greenhouse gas emissions.  This is a truly diverse group that is like a mirror held up to face of America, with everything from large companies in the energy, entertainment, consumer sectors to small 'mom and pop' businesses including travel agencies, local bars and restaurants."

"We have long supported climate change and clean energy legislation and continue to do so. It is important, indeed critical, that any legislation encourage greater use of natural gas generation.  It is the utility player of reliable and flexible electric supply for our nation, while also emitting less than half the carbon of other fossil fuels.  No other resource can do that," said Jack Fusco, President and Chief Executive Officer of Calpine Corporation. "Perhaps most importantly, if we simply increase utilization of existing modern combined-cycle natural gas power plants from the current 40 percent utilization level to 85 percent, we can single-handedly reduce the power sector emissions by approximately 15-20 percent and overall emissions by approximately 6-8 percent, today, enabling to get one-third of the way to the 2020 emissions reduction target. I know of no more compelling, immediate solution to our dilemma that requires no additional capital investment or government subsidies."

Kevin Parker, Global Head of Asset Management for Deutsche Asset Management, said:  "We have long argued that government action on climate change is not only good for business; it's essential for business. America is already falling behind other countries in the race for the new industrial revolution -- the clean energy revolution -- because without a transparent, long-term and certain system of regulation there will always be insufficient investment. Effective legislation can open the floodgates to investment in clean energy that will create jobs and build entire new industries. Sooner rather than later, every business in America will face the problem of coping with climate change. They are beginning to realize the urgency, and they are also aware that any intelligent response must include decisive government action."

"The U.S. can strengthen its economy and slash greenhouse gas emissions at the same time," said Sean Casten, CEO of Recycled Energy Development. "Comprehensive climate legislation will spur substantial investments by clean energy developers that will increase American productivity and jobs. It's time we change the way our country generates power in order to cut our pollution and expand our competitiveness."

John Esposito, President and CEO of Warner Music Nashville added: "Since 2004, Warner Music Group has been dedicated to the cause of environmental conservation and preservation through its comprehensive campaign, WMGreen. Warner Music Group became involved in this movement as a result of increased awareness of the problem of global warming. As a company and as an industry, it is our responsibility to mobilize our employees, our artists and on a greater scale, music fans. For that reason, we are pleased to join the thousands of businesses and lend our support to American Businesses for Clean Energy for greater and more comprehensive climate change legislation."

ABCE's message is bold and clear: "We are businesses from a broad cross-section of American industry that support Congressional action to enact clean energy and climate legislation that will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Now is the time to act."

Some of the first signatories to the ABCE pledge of support included Aspen Skiing Company, Conservation Services Group, FPL Group, Gap Inc., National Grid, New York Power Authority, PNM Resources, and Public Service Enterprise Group. To see a full list of companies go to: http://www.AmericanBusinessesforCleanEnergy.org.

ABOUT THE COMPANIES

Avista Corp. is an energy company involved in the production, transmission and distribution of energy as well as other energy-related businesses. Avista Utilities is our operating division that provides electric service to 356,000 homes and businesses and natural gas to 316,000 homes and businesses in three Western states, serving more than 485,000 customers.  Avista's primary, non-regulated subsidiary is Advantage IQ.  Our stock is traded under the ticker symbol "AVA."  For more information about Avista, please visit www.avistacorp.com.

Calpine Corporation is helping meet the needs of an economy that demands more and cleaner sources of electricity. Founded in 1984, Calpine is a major U.S. power company, capable of delivering nearly 25,000 megawatts of clean, cost-effective, reliable and fuel-efficient electricity to customers and communities in 16 states in the U.S. and Canada. The company owns, leases and operates low-carbon, natural gas-fired and renewable geothermal power plants. Using advanced technologies, Calpine generates electricity in a reliable and environmentally responsible manner for the customers and communities it serves.

With approximately $709 billion in assets under management globally as of 30 December 2009, Deutsche Bank's Asset Management division is one of the world's leading investment management organizations, not just in size, but in quality and breadth of investment products, performance and client service.  The Asset Management division provides a broad range of investment management products across the risk/return spectrum.  Deutsche Bank is a leading global investment bank with a strong and profitable private clients franchise. A leader in Germany and Europe, the bank is continuously growing in North America, Asia and key emerging markets. With 77,053 employees in 72 countries, Deutsche Bank offers unparalleled financial services throughout the world. The bank competes to be the leading global provider of financial solutions for demanding clients creating exceptional value for its shareholders and people.

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), incorporated in California in 1905, is one of the largest combination natural gas and electric utilities in the United States. Based in San Francisco, the company is a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation. There are approximately 20,000 employees who carry out Pacific Gas and Electric Company's primary business -- the transmission and delivery of energy. The company provides natural gas and electric service to approximately 15 million people throughout a 70,000-square-mile service area in northern and central California.

Recycled Energy Development develops, owns and operates power projects that harness waste energy and dramatically reduce manufacturers' greenhouse gas emissions and power costs. With more than 30 years experience undertaking environmentally responsible energy development projects, RED's team works closely with industrial companies to optimize energy efficiency and maximize profits.  

Warner Music Group became the only stand-alone music company to be publicly traded in the United States in May 2005. With its broad roster of new stars and legendary artists, Warner Music Group is home to a collection of the best-known record labels in the music industry including Asylum, Atlantic, Cordless, East West, Elektra, Nonesuch, Reprise, Rhino, Roadrunner, Rykodisc, Sire, Warner Bros. and Word. Warner Music International, a leading company in national and international repertoire, operates through numerous international affiliates and licensees in more than 50 countries. Warner Music Group also includes Warner/Chappell Music, one of the world's leading music publishers, with a catalog of more than one million copyrights worldwide.

ABOUT ABCE

ABCE is a broad umbrella organization that shows the breadth of business support for clean energy and climate legislation. ABCE will not develop detailed policy recommendations or evaluate specific proposals since existing business coalitions already address those needs. The ABCE initiative is open to any company or business association that supports Congressional action to pass effective climate and energy legislation now. By joining the initiative, these companies are making a public statement urging Congress to act.  To learn more about American Businesses for Clean Energy (ABCE) and to pledge support for clean energy legislation, please visit: http://www.AmericanBusinessesforCleanEnergy.org.

SOURCE American Businesses for Clean Energy, Washington, D.C.