Susan Davis: “the amendment before us is critical to the safety of California citizens. We have talked about many things, but we…”

“the amendment before us is critical to the safety of California citizens. We have talked about many things, but we cannot lose sight of the fact that we are talking about safety. We have worked for many years to improve the air quality of our State, and despite our increased population, we have succeeded. Californians are committed to continuing to protect our air. However, we do not need to do it by adding ethanol to our gasoline, and we do not need the current formulation using MTBE. We do not need any additive at all. Chevron and other oil companies which produce petroleum in California have assured us that they have the technology to create a fuel which will allow California cars to meet EPA air quality standards without any additives. We have heard the argument here today, why should the Federal Government force us to purchase an unneeded product that is not readily available in California? It would cost California citizens, already beleaguered by high prices, $450 million for the extra cost of this additive. Mr. Chairman, we came here to legislate on behalf of the Federal Government. As such, we should legislate results such as the EPA air quality standards, but not dictate the methods to reach those standards. Vote for this states' rights amendment.”