SRI International, Menlo Park, California, has reviewed the UC study for the Oxygenated Fuels Association, Arlington, Virginia. In SRI's evaluation, the UC study underestimated cost benefits of CBF containing MTBE against nonoxygenated fuels. Also, the UC study underestimated the air quality benefits from oxygenates and overestimated remediation costs for MTBE and groundwater. Another block of U.S. states is evaluating air-quality policy. The Northeast states, which include the New England states as well as New York and New Jersey, are collecting comments to develop their clean fuels policy.
Water contamination is one of the principle drivers for the investigation.
Development of a regional strategy for the Northeast states is targeted for December 1999. EPA has held several blue-ribbon panels and is receiving comments on the RFG program from industry and concerned parties. Thus, EPA is also reevaluating the oxygenate mandate. Alkylate will be the most likely primary replacement option. Banning oxygenates will produce some backlashes.