(Host) Vermont has joined the ranks of states that ban the gasoline additive MTBE.
MTBE is a carcinogen and has been linked to asthma, memory loss and skin irritations. The additive was intended help produce cleaner air and boost octane levels, but it was found to contaminate underground drinking water.
Saint Albans Democrat, Kathleen Kennan, was the chief sponsor of the bill banning MTBE.
(Kennan) “My idea was that this was a health risk. Being an emergency room nurse, I was very concerned that we were allowing this additive to be put in that could harm people in the state, and apparently has harmed the groundwater in Hartland.”
(Host) MTBE has been linked to the contamination of over 300 water wells in the state.
The bill signed into law today bans products containing MTBE by January 1, 2007.