Refineries Raise Level of Pollutant In Gasoline

Despite an executive order by Gov. Gray Davis to ban MTBE usein gasoline by 2002, the amount of MTBE blended into gasoline byNorthern California refineries increased by 14% from April to June,according to a report by the California Energy Commission

1 minute read

October 14, 2000, 5:30 AM PDT

By California 2000


MTBE useacross the state increased by about 1.5%. MTBE is an oxygenate thatmakes gasoline burn cleaner, but it has been designated as a waterpollutant and a suspected carcinogen. Federal law requires the use ofoxygenates for areas that don't meet federal air standards, butSacramento is the only area in Northern California that is not incompliance. While some environmentalists see increased levels of MTBE asan indication that the oil industry will not comply with Gov. Davis'mandate, a representative from the California Department ofEnvironmental Protection asserts that the preliminary steps to switch toalternatives have been initiated.

Thanks to California 2000 Project

Thursday, October 5, 2000 in The San Francisco Chronicle

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 23, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Floor-to-ceiling rotating gates at Fairmount subway station in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Crime Continues to Drop on Philly, San Francisco Transit Systems

SEPTA and BART both saw significant declines in violent crime in the first quarter of 2025.

April 28 - Mass Transit

South LA Wetlands Park in Los Angeles, California.

How South LA Green Spaces Power Community Health and Hope

Green spaces like South L.A. Wetlands Park are helping South Los Angeles residents promote healthy lifestyles, build community, and advocate for improvements that reflect local needs in historically underserved neighborhoods.

April 28 - ABC 7 Eyewitness News

Intersection in downtown Sacramento, California with neoclassical building with columns on left.

Sacramento Plans ‘Quick-Build’ Road Safety Projects

The city wants to accelerate small-scale safety improvements that use low-cost equipment to make an impact at dangerous intersections.

April 28 - The Sacramento Bee