MTBE has served well as an additive producing substantial air quality benefits while extending gasoline supplies at a reasonable cost. In this time of escalating fuel prices, MTBE has played i part in maintaining adequate supply.
Ethanol, by contrast, cannot be counted upon to moderate the price of fuel. Even with its 54 cent per gallon tax credit, it is still too expensive to compete in the marketplace. Furthermore, ethanol is not helpful from an environmental perspective.
First, because ethanol is highly volatile, it cannot be counted upon to be as effective in controlling emissions of ozone and its precursors.
Second, because ethanol has a net negative energy balance, we cannot expect its widespread use to either assist with energy security or control greenhouse gases.
Third, because ethanol is highly soluble, it takes the most toxic parts of gasoline, including cancer-causing benzene, and spreads it in water.
Fourth, because ethanol has been listed as a carcinogen by the World Health Organization, the State of California, and the National Toxics Program, it may be of greater public health concern than MTBE.
Finally, because combustion of ethanol releases harmful aldehydes, it is of little assistance in controlling air tonics.
On the whole, caution is in order. Mr. Chairman, your hearing is a step in the right direction and I thank you for pursuing this issue.