The 2% oxygenate requirement was included as part of the reformulated gasoline program (RFG), an effort to address smog pollution from mobile sources. Nine areas with the worst smog problems - including parts of Connecticut - were required to use cleaner burning gasoline. Other areas opted in voluntarily. Overall, RFG has produced significant benefits - reducing volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, and mobile air toxics - in many cases exceeding the standards required by law.
Unfortunately, the oxygenate requirement has had some unforseen consequences as well. MTBE, the most widely used oxygenate, has been found in the water supply in more than 20 states and in several states occurs in concentrations high enough to cause the shutdown of wells. In my home State, Connecticut, at least 200 wells have been identified as contaminated by MTBE, raising serious health concerns.
However, even as we contemplate federal action to address the serious issue of MTBE contamination of water quality, we must not sacrifice the clean air benefits gained through the use of oxygenates. Thus, the challenge that faces us today is one of preserving the advances we have made in air quality while acting to increase protection of our nation's water supplies.
Foremost among our responsibilities at the federal level should be allowing states to address concerns about MTBE within the confines of the RFG program. I therefore support a national approach to this issue, giving states flexibility in dealing with MTBE and other oxygenates in gasoline by removing the federal oxygenate requirement. However, because the Blue Ribbon Panel, NESCAUM, and others have confirmed that oxygenates sometimes help gasoline exceed current standards, I also feel strongly that any legislation we consider must maintain existing air quality benefits. This could be included in revised performance criteria for gasoline. Perhaps some of the witnesses will have suggestions as to how to accomplish this most effectively.
I would also like to point out that Connecticut has taken significant steps to address another source of MTBE pollution, leaking underground storage tanks. As of February of 1999, 15,450 leaking tanks had been closed in Connecticut and 1,818 cleanups were initiated. In addition, the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection just announced a state program to assist homeowners in identifying and remediating leaky tanks.
I look forward to hearing from the witnesses about how we can best use the Panel's findings to solve the problem of MTBE contamination of drinking water