MTBE is the oxygenate of choice for most of the country. RFG is primarily used in the Northern Virginia, Richmond and Hampton Roads areas of Virginia but may appear in other parts of the state as well. These areas are under non-attainment or maintenance designations by EPA for the pollutant ozone. The use of RFG has contributed to a reduction of over 6,900 tons per year in motor vehicle emissions. However, it is unclear what percentage of those emissions reductions can be attributed to the oxygenate exclusively.
Investigation is underway to determine that percentage.
In July 1999, the panel released recommendations that Congress remove the oxygenate mandate for RFG and that MTBE should be substantially reduced or eliminated. Ethanol seems to be the most viable option. Most ethanol comes from grain and is difficult to transport and blend but there is new technology allowing ethanol to be produced from agricultural wastes. Heating Oil Tanks Owners of Home Heating Oil Tanks should be performing monthly preventative maintenance. This file, Home Heating Oil Tanks Monthly Checklists , is a MSWord file.