Jeremiah Smith: “by now everyone knows of the damage that the gasoline additive, MTBE, has done to our nation's drinking water supply…”

“by now everyone knows of the damage that the gasoline additive, MTBE, has done to our nation's drinking water supply, including in the state of New Hampshire. MTBE has been a component of our fuel supply for two decades. 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 problem with MTBE is its ability to migrate through the ground very quickly and into the water table. Several states have had gasoline leaks or spills lead to the closure of wells because of MTBE. MTBE is not a proven carcinogen, but its smell and taste does render water unusable. Many homes in New Hampshire and across the nation have lost use of their water supply because of MTBE contamination. Today I am introducing a bill with my friend Senator Reid, who is the Ranking Member on the committee that I chair, the Environment & Public Works Committee. This bill addresses the problems associated with MTBE, but will not reduce any environmental benefits of the Clean Air program.”