AG Madrid asks U.S. Senate to remove MTBE provision in energy bill

[Robbien]

SANTA FE (AP) - Attorney General Patricia Madrid has joined 11 other state attorneys general in questioning an energy bill provision that gives protection from liability to the makers of a gasoline additive that contaminates drinking water.

MTBE, which causes cancer in animals, moves quickly through water and has been found in surface and groundwater in New Mexico and 35 other states, Madrid said Tuesday. MTBE is absorbed rapidly into humans' respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts.

The measure approved by the House in April grants immunity to the chemical's manufacturers and to oil companies that use it. "Exempting these companies from liability and leaving the states, local taxpayers and water consumers to pay for the contamination cleanup will be the results of the 'Fuels Safe Harbor' provision if it is passed," she said.

The attorneys general sent a letter to congressional leaders raising health concerns about the provision and asking them to oppose it.

http://www.freenewmexican.com/news/14324.html

[Erika]

1. GOP, the "chemical & oil" party

Sicken the populace and then make them pick up the tab while holding chemical and petroleum companies as harmless in their acts.

And the GOP calls themselves the party of morals?

[baby_bear]

2. This is good - thanks for the post

I have noticed that the AGs around the country are starting to take certain things into their own collective hands, because the DOJ is just not stepping up to its responsibilities. And they are not all Democrats.

Maybe people are starting to say out loud that the emperor has no clothes.

b_b