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

FULL STORY: Refineries Raise Level of Pollutant In Gasoline

Thursday, October 5, 2000 in The San Francisco Chronicle

Environment California

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