COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 22, 1999 -- E. Linn Draper Jr., chairman, president and chief executive officer of American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP), has been appointed to the President´s Council on Sustainable Development.

The PCSD was established by an Executive Order in June 1993 to advise the President on matters involving sustainable development.

"I am honored by the appointment, and look forward to sharing AEP´s experience with the Council and the White House," said Draper. "Sustainable development is an important global issue as the world population grows and demand for natural resources increases to fuel economic growth."

An initial focus of the Council will be on policies to address the issue of global climate change. AEP has been a leader in pursuing voluntary actions to reduce, avoid or capture greenhouse gas emissions, predominantly carbon dioxide, both in its operations in the U.S. and by investing in international projects. The company has also been an active participant in international and domestic processes to develop public policy responses to the issue.

Dr. Draper became president of AEP in March 1992. He was appointed to his current position with AEP in May 1993. Dr. Draper is also president of Ohio Valley Electric Corporation and its subsidiary, Indiana-Kentucky Electric Corporation.

Dr. Draper holds a bachelor of arts degree and a bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering from Rice University, and a doctorate in nuclear science and engineering from Cornell University.

AEP, a global energy company, is one of the United States´ largest investor-owned utilities, providing energy to 3 million customers in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. AEP has holdings in the United States, the United Kingdom, China and Australia. Wholly owned subsidiaries provide power engineering, energy consulting and energy management services around the world. The company is based in Columbus, Ohio. On Dec. 22, 1997, AEP announced a definitive merger agreement for a tax-free, stock-for-stock transaction with Central and South West Corp., a public utility holding company based in Dallas.