James M. Jeffords: “Because of that change and the other congressional actions on MTBE and renewable fuels, there are likely to be…”

“Because of that change and the other congressional actions on MTBE and renewable fuels, there are likely to be significant changes in the Nation's gasoline characteristics. Section 836 of this legislation requires EPA to study and report on the changes in emissions of air pollutants and changes in overall air quality due to the use of fuels and fuel additives resulting from this bill. This report will provide information to evaluate the success of the provisions of this legislation and should help identify problems that can be solved by statute or regulation before they are serious. Section 211(c) of the CAA provides the Administrator with regulatory authority over fuels or fuel additives, if, in the judgment of the Administrator, the fuels or fuel additives or emission products cause or contribute to air pollution that may reasonably be anticipated to endanger the public health or welfare. This legislation adds authority to protect water quality, in addition to air quality. The bill requires the Administrator to exercise this regulatory authority to prohibit the use of MTBE. The bill also adds water quality as an environmental protection criterion in Title II of the act.”