Friday July 22, 2005
Doolittle Commends MTBE Compromise; Allows for Cleaner Water, Faster

Source: U.S. Representative John T. Doolittle

The compromise provides up to $11.43 billion in funding over the next 12 years to clean up water contaminated by MTBE and compensate for other damages. All industry and federal funding would be deposited into an MTBE trust fund account that would be separate from the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund. A state match component would be processed under existing guidelines at the time of the obligation to reach the total amounts.

Beyond 12 years, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency may extend collections to the fund upon notice that the problem still exists.

"MTBE was originally supported by the environmental groups and ultimately approved for use by the EPA and the states. Therefore, it stands to reason that some of the liability for clean-up lies with the government," Doolittle said.

"I commend Chairman Barton and Congressman Bass for creating a clean-up fund for MTBE," Doolittle continued. "I appreciate being included in their discussions and am pleased that some of my suggestions were incorporated in the final decision. Once passed into law, this compromise will allow us to begin cleaning MTBE pollution immediately from our nation's water rather than litigating indefinitely."

This compromise will be proposed to the energy bill conferees for acceptance in the final energy bill.

"I will do everything in my power to see that this hard-fought compromise is included in the energy bill," Doolittle concluded.

U.S. Rep. John T. Doolittle has served in the House of Representatives since 1991. As Secretary of the House Republican Conference, he is an elected member of the House Republican Leadership. Doolittle represents California's 4th Congressional District and serves on the Appropriations Committee, Energy and Water, Agriculture, and Interior Subcommittees, and the House Administration Committee.

Contact:

Laura Blackann  (202) 225-2511

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