While these additives have been effective in reducing air pollution, MTBE has caused extensive water contamination problems. In fact, an Executive Order in California will effectively ban the use of MTBE by the year 2003. Other states are considering similar bans based on concerns about the potential threats that MTBE poses to water supplies. The EPA has also recently spoken against this fuel alternative because of the potential impacts it can cause to groundwater resources. At the same time, the EPA is strongly promoting ethanol as an environmentally safe renewable resource.
Ethanol is the right solution for the environment.
In addition, it comes at a time when we need to find some relief for agriculture in Nebraska. We have corn in great abundance and prices are extremely low. It certainly makes sense to use this plentiful resource to make a renewable fuel which helps keep the air clean. Just as ethanol enhances fuel's octane, we are hopeful that it will also boost our ag economy. As I speak about the environment, agriculture and clean air, another prominent issue in Nebraska comes to mind livestock feedlots.