MTBE has been used in U.S. gasoline at low levels since 1979 to replace lead as an octane enhancer (helps prevent the engine from “knocking”). Since 1992, MTBE has been used at higher concentrations in some gasoline to fulfill the oxygenate requirements set by Congress in the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments. (A few cities, such as Denver, used oxygenates (MTBE) at higher concentrations during the wintertime in the late 1980’s.)
Oxygen helps gasoline burn more completely, reducing harmful tailpipe emissions from motor vehicles. In one respect, the oxygen dilutes or displaces gasoline components such as aromatics (e.g., benzene) and sulfur. In another, oxygen optimizes the oxidation during combustion. Most refiners have chosen to use MTBE over other oxygenates primarily for its blending characteristics and for economic reasons.
The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (CAA) require the use of oxygenated gasoline in areas with unhealthy levels of air pollution. The CAA does not specifically require MTBE. Refiners may choose to use other oxygenates, such as ethanol.
Leave it to the most corrupt and inefficient state in the union to come up with another way to drive businesses away. The government of NJ has been historically incompetent and corrupt. It cannot manage the money it already has. The state boasts the highest property taxes and automobile premiums in the country. The government always wants more money to be thrown into the mix. People of NJ had better wake up and send a clear message that there will be no more money. People have to make due with what they have, so should the government. I hope the target defendants in this matter decide to leave the state. Maybe then somebody in Trenton will get the message.
Couldn’t get enough $$ out of the actual polluters/spillers so now they are going after the mfgrs/sellers?? Hope they lose & have to pay for this frivilous lawsuit. I feel sorry for the taxpayers!
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This is from the EPA’s web site:
MTBE has been used in U.S. gasoline at low levels since 1979 to replace lead as an octane enhancer (helps prevent the engine from “knocking”). Since 1992, MTBE has been used at higher concentrations in some gasoline to fulfill the oxygenate requirements set by Congress in the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments. (A few cities, such as Denver, used oxygenates (MTBE) at higher concentrations during the wintertime in the late 1980’s.)
Oxygen helps gasoline burn more completely, reducing harmful tailpipe emissions from motor vehicles. In one respect, the oxygen dilutes or displaces gasoline components such as aromatics (e.g., benzene) and sulfur. In another, oxygen optimizes the oxidation during combustion. Most refiners have chosen to use MTBE over other oxygenates primarily for its blending characteristics and for economic reasons.
The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (CAA) require the use of oxygenated gasoline in areas with unhealthy levels of air pollution. The CAA does not specifically require MTBE. Refiners may choose to use other oxygenates, such as ethanol.
Leave it to the most corrupt and inefficient state in the union to come up with another way to drive businesses away. The government of NJ has been historically incompetent and corrupt. It cannot manage the money it already has. The state boasts the highest property taxes and automobile premiums in the country. The government always wants more money to be thrown into the mix. People of NJ had better wake up and send a clear message that there will be no more money. People have to make due with what they have, so should the government. I hope the target defendants in this matter decide to leave the state. Maybe then somebody in Trenton will get the message.
Couldn’t get enough $$ out of the actual polluters/spillers so now they are going after the mfgrs/sellers?? Hope they lose & have to pay for this frivilous lawsuit. I feel sorry for the taxpayers!