Alexander Calls for an End to the MTBE Gas Additive; Declares Nation Should Opt for the Cleaner Alternative of Ethanol

Copyright 1999 Business Wire
March 11, 1999



March 11, 1999--Presidential candidate Lamar Alexander today called for an expanded use of ethanol, in place of the MTBE gas additive. "We don't have to poison the water in order to clean the air. Ethanol is the answer," Alexander said. "Because it is biodegradable, ethanol is a logical and safe substitute for MTBE and it should be used for that purpose." The federal Clean Air Act requires gasoline to be oxygenated. In many states, including California, Maine and Massachusetts, the approved additive for oxygenation has been MBTE, a petroleum-based product. Although it was unknown at the time of its approval, MTBE causes serious groundwater contamination. Ethanol meets the strict new ozone-pollution standards issued by the EPA, lowers vehicle exhaust pollution and reduces ozone formation. "Nationally, ethanol production increases farm income by $ 4.5 billion annually and is responsible for nearly 200,000 jobs. Just one additional corn-processing plant with the capacity to produce 100 million gallons of ethanol would result in an estimated 1100 new jobs and create an additional $ 35 million in personal income," Alexander continued. "Thus, helping the nation protect its environment is good business for Iowa." Former Iowa Governor Terry Branstad is Lamar Alexander's national campaign chair. Other supporters include Governor Huckabee of Arkansas, Governor Sundquist of Tennessee and U.S. Senators Thompson and Frist of Tennessee.

Paid for by Alexander for President, Inc. Contributions are not deductible for federal income tax purposes



CONTACT: Alexander for President Exploratory Committee, Nashville
Steve Schmidt, 615/620-2000
info@lamaralexander.com
www.lamaralexander.com


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