MTBE And The Future Of Gasoline

On Wednesday, April 5, at 8 pm, Charter Communications CommunityVision 21 will host a discussion about the controversial gasoline additive MTBE on the public affairs show HomeFront Live.

Congress and the EPA are moving towards the elimination of MTBE. The Oxygenated Fuel Association believes MTBE has had a positive effect on air quality and questions its removal. While the American Cancer Society directly blames MTBE for health problems, the OFA believes that sealing leaking gas storage tanks would resolve the problems.

Still, with continuation of the “Oxygenate Standard,” set by the Clean Air Act for Reformulated Gasoline, what substance will be used next to oxygenate fuel and can the public be assured of its non-hazardous status?

Aside from health issues, especially those concerning the effects MTBE is allegedly having on a significant portion of the nation’s water supply, the question remains as to how the elimination of this substance will affect the cost of gasoline.

These are just a few of the questions and concerns to be addressed on the show. HomeFront Live encourages viewer participation and the audience will be invited to call in with questions and comments.

Confirmed panelists for the program include Charlie Drevna, the director of government and regulatory affairs for OFA; Michael J. Fox, the executive director, Gasoline Retailers Association; Randy Boone, president of Ranart Environs Marketing Co., who has introduced an alternative substitute for oxygenating gasoline; and Randy Bernard, lab director and president, Hydro Technologies, Inc. Invitations to appear have also been extended to Senator Louis C. Deluca (R) and representatives of the DEP and EPA.

HomeFront Live is broadcast on Charter Communications Channel 21.