SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 2007
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Reported By Senate Committee On:
Water, Energy & Telecommunications, March 23, 2007
Title: An act relating to defining allowable fuel blends.
Brief Description: Regarding allowable fuel blends.
Sponsors: House Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications (originally sponsored by Representatives Eddy and Crouse).
Brief History: Passed House: 3/08/07, 96-0.
Committee Activity: Water, Energy & Telecommunications: 3/21/07, 3/23/07 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON WATER, ENERGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Poulsen, Chair; Rockefeller, Vice Chair; Honeyford, Ranking Minority Member; Fraser, Holmquist, Morton, Oemig, Pridemore and Regala.
Staff: Jan Odano (786-7486)
Background: Methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE) has been used as a gasoline additive to serve
two major purposes. MTBE was first used to replace lead as an octane enhancer. In 1992, MTBE
was added to gasoline to meet the Clean Air Act requirements as it achieves more efficient and
cleaner burning (combustion). While MTBE has provided health benefits from reducing the
amount of hazardous air pollutants, concerns have been raised because of increasing occurrence
and detection of MTBE in drinking water sources and the potential for exposure that may lead
to adverse health effects.
In 2001, the Legislature prohibited the intentional addition of methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE)
to gasoline, motor fuel, or clean fuel for sale or use after December 31, 2003. It also limited the
amount of MTBE allowed in gasoline to not more than six-tenths of 1 percent by volume.
Summary of Substitute Bill: MTBE may not exceed 0.15 percent by volume in gasoline.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill allows consistency with other states that have banned MTBE. Other states have adopted a lower standard than the 0.6 percent. This would allow refiners to deny supplies with higher levels of MTBE.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Eddy, prime sponsor; Greg Hanon, Western States Petroleum Association.