The Latest Developments relating to MTBE ban

Recent state laws have been passed to ban MTBE in certain areas. A table of state by state information is available here at the Department of Energy website. As of 2004, more than half of all states still permit its use. However, the states of California and New York, which together accounted for 40% of U.S. MTBE consumption, banned the chemical starting January 1, 2004.

In 2000, the EPA drafted plans to phase out the use of MTBE nationwide over four years. Upon taking office, the Bush administration cancelled those plans.

In April of 2002, a California jury found several oil companies guilty of irresponsibly manufacturing and distributing MTBE, stating that the companies acted with malice in failing to warn customers about the dangers of MTBE contamination. There are hundreds of other lawsuits currently active regarding the compound.

Between 2000 and 2004, the top three MTBE manufacturers have donated over $1 million to the United States Republican Party and key members. An amendment to provide blanket immunity from MTBE-related lawsuits was inserted into the House version of the 2003 Energy Bill. The bill failed to pass when six Republicans voted against it, mostly because of that amendment. MTBE lawsuit immunity is likely to remain a political issue in the years to come.

Instead of burdening taxpayers in affected areas with the costs of removing MTBE from their drinking water, Weitz & Luxenberg will aggressively go after the oil companies responsible. We want to do what is best not only for our clients, but for the environment and future generations as well. You have a right to clean, safe drinking water, and Weitz & Luxenberg is a powerful ally to have on your side. If you or your municipality needs our help, please fill out this simple form, call us at (800) 476-6070 or email us at clientrelations@weitzlux.com.

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see also:

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