Washington State Bans MTBE

May 11, 2001

Much to the pleasure of ethanol enthusiasts, the state of Washington has joined a growing number of states and banned the fuel additive MTBE. Not surprisingly, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) applauded the action. The ban on MTBE was prompted by numerous reports the additive had contaminated water in the state even though it was never used as an oxygenate in Washington. Ethanol is the oxygenate of choice used during the state's winter oxygenated fuels program.

Eric Vaughn, RFA president, said MTBE has been detected in groundwater adjacent to 48% of Washington gasoline stations. "Washington is a perfect example of how only small amounts of MTBE in gasoline can still pose a water contamination threat. This law will prevent the MTBE contamination from spreading. The ethanol industry is proud of our strong record of reducing Washington's air pollution while not posing a groundwater risk," Vaughn said.

The legislation was approved unanimously by both the Washington House and Senate and states that "methyl tertiary-butyl ether may not be intentionally added to any gasoline, motor fuel, or clean fuel produced for sale or use in the state of Washington after December 31, 2003," and that in no event may MTBE be knowingly mixed in gasoline above six-tenths of 1% by volume.

Washington joins Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York, and South Dakota in banning MTBE. Illinois is expected to enact an MTBE ban later this year.