Penn State was awarded the 2002 "Green Power Leadership Award" for the university's use of alternative environmentally friendly energy.

The award was presented Monday by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for Penn State's commitment to wind energy.

Penn State is currently the second largest purchaser of wind energy in the nation, behind the University of Pennsylvania.

Environmentally-friendly electricity, such as wind power, helps to reduce air pollution, since conventional electricity generation creates emissions that largely contribute to this problem of pollution, Bruce Younkin, manager of Fleet Operations, said.

The university has a contract to buy 5 percent of its energy from wind-powered sources over five years.

"Thanks to Penn State's commitment, we are now seeing a burgeoning new industry taking off in Pennsylvania," Office of Physical Plant spokesman Paul Ruskin said.

To show the university's commitment to the environment, Ruskin drove the university's first hybrid vehicle to the award ceremony in Washington, D.C.

The hybrid car reduces harmful emissions and is more fuel efficient, making it more environmentally friendly.

Fleet Operations, which provides a range of vehicle services to the university, purchased the vehicle for Penn State.

Younkin explained a hybrid uses two energy sources. Penn State's vehicle is an electric hybrid, meaning that it has a gas engine and an electric motor.

Ruskin said the vehicle is identical to any normal small car, in this case a Honda Civic, but said the differences in driving it were very obvious on his trip.

"The biggest difference is that the engine actually turns off when the car comes to a complete stop, but then it kicks back with a tap of the gas pedal," Ruskin said.

He also commented that, "it was a little disconcerting at first, but once I got used to it, it was a delight to drive."

Ruskin said the hybrid basically operated like any other car with all the amenities. The sound from the CD player was much clearer because the engine is much quieter, he added.

Younkin explained that hybrid vehicles that will possibly be used by the university would actually lower operation costs because of their great efficiency.

The car was purchased by the university but will be used by Shaver's Creek Environmental Center. The center has been a part of the university for about 25 years and some of the staff members are faculty in the recreation parks management program.

Shaver's Creek travels throughout the state to provide educational programs to schools and communities and will use the hybrid car for transportation.

Dave Fox, projects coordinator at Shaver's Creek, said the center wants to keep up with new technological improvements.

"Part of our mission is not only to talk about animals and the environment, but we also want to be on the forefront of ways people can impact the environment," Fox said.