Political Quotes

“for the third day this week, I have come to the floor to speak about MTBE. This is the gas additive that has become a huge concern for millions across the Nation because of the contamination it has caused. That is certainly true of many communities throughout New Hampshire where it has become a crisis. And the crisis will continue to escalate unless it is dealt with. I was pleased last week when the majority leader made a commitment to me that the Senate will vote on MTBE legislation before the end of February. Until the day of that vote arrives, I will continue to come to the floor to remind Senators of the terrible impact that MTBE is having on the Nation. And remind them why it is important that we act now. In 1990, the Clean Air Act was amended to include a clean gasoline program. That program mandated the use of an oxygenate in our fuel-- MTBE was one of two options to be used. The program with MTBE is that when it is leaked or spilled, it moves through the ground very quickly and into the water table. Many homes in New Hampshire and across the nation have lost use of their water supply because of MTBE contamination. Many others have had to install expensive water treatment systems in order to drink the water or even shower. According to the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, there may be up to 40,000 private wells with some MTBE contamination. Of those, up to 8,000 may have MTBE contamination over state health standards.”