Senator Mountjoy's bill in its final form requires a study of the comparative study of the human health and environmental risks and benefits, if any, associated with the use of MTBE in gasoline, as compared to other possible additives, including ethanol. The study mandated by SB 521, as you undoubtedly know, is to be completed in early 1999. If the Governor determines that there is a significant risk, he is directed to implement appropriate action in response to his finding. Clearly, this could result in the prohibition of the further use of MTBE in gasoline. As stated, however, we do believe that a thorough, but rapid, study is called for, and that it may well be advisable, when the results of that study have been received, to take action that will result in the elimination of MTBE from California gasoline.
All gasoline leaks into soil and groundwater are dangerous to the public health and the environment.
Both state and federal requirements can be tightened. Alternative oxygenates should be made available. We will use less gasoline, and thus pollute the air less, and expose groundwater to less risk, to the degree that we can transition to non-petroleum transportation fuels. We will also achieve these positive results to the degree that we can increase fuel efficiency and substitute transit and rail transportation for transportation based on the single occupancy auto. The federal government can play a key role in achieving all of these ends, and I encourage you and your colleagues to pursue them.