Re: MTBE (did I get it right?)

[SMILLER@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Tim, thanks for the education.  I have one question and one comment.

>Date: Thu, 06 Aug 1998 13:09:42 PDT
>From: "Tim Gergen" <m3gizmo@domain.elided>
>Subject: The Politics of MBTE
>
>First, it is MTBE.  I am very familiar with CARB and the MTBE issue, so 
>let me fill you in, and clarify a few issues...(Don't confuse my 
>personal views with that of my employer, its just a job!)
>
>The State of California and/or CARB does NOT, repeat, DOES NOT
>require the use of MTBE OR ANY OTHER OXYGENATE.  Refiners are
>free to use whatever they want (there are SEVERAL additives they
>can use) as long as they meet emission standards (tailpipe, evap, etc.).

Q:  Why is there such a wide-spread misconception that the CA state
gov. mandated MTBE?  It isn't just on this Digest, but elsewhere, too.  (I'm
not questioning you on this, I really would like to know why the general
public got it wrong?)

>Another problem is leaking underground storage tanks.  Although this is 
>not my area of expertise, I belive all UST's are to be replaced with 
>double walled tanks with leak detection by the end of the year (that's 
>why many of you Californian's are seeing closed gas stations with big 
>holes in the ground).

Comment:  I read an article a couple of weeks ago in the Contra Costa
Times that statewide replacement of the underground storage tanks,
which has been underway for years, is only about (something like) 55%
complete.  One of the companies doing the replacements said that there
is no way all the state's tanks can possibly get replaced before the
end-of-year deadline.  This means that we'll be seeing an awful lot of
closed gas stations starting Jan. 1, unless, of course, some gov. agency
grants an extension.  Prices could go up as we have less competition for
gas.

So what should we Bimwads do about this?  How about a group
purchase of 55-gallon drums?  Then we can fill up in December and
hoard the stuff until all the stations re-open with new tanks.  What safety
issue?  You wanna put out that cigarette, sir?  Sir?  BLAM!  OK, bad
idea.

Scott Miller
GGC BMW CCA #44977

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