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PANEL SCHEDULES FIRST MEETING TO REVIEW USE OF MTBE AND OTHER OXYGENATES IN GASOLINE

Release Date: 01/15/99
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FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1999

PANEL SCHEDULES FIRST MEETING TO REVIEW USE OF
MTBE AND OTHER OXYGENATES IN GASOLINE


The EPA announced today that the first meeting of the blue-ribbon panel of experts created to review important issues posed by the use of MTBE and other oxygenates in gasoline will take place Jan. 22 in Washington, D.C. The panel, to be chaired by Daniel Greenbaum, President of the Health Effects Institute (HEI) of Cambridge, Mass., will meet from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., on Friday, Jan. 22 at the Marriott Crystal City, 1999 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, Va. The EPA established the panel in November to examine the use of oxygenates in gasoline and to gain a better understanding of the public health concerns raised by the discovery of MTBE in some water supplies. The panel has been asked to report its findings to the EPA within six months. The report will include specific recommendations on how to ensure public health protection and continued improvement in both air and water quality. The panel plans to convene several meetings to hear from regional and national experts on the facts concerning oxygenate use in fuel. In addition to scheduled presentations, time has been reserved for public comment. A sign-up sheet will be available at the registration table the morning of the meeting. Anyone who would like to make a brief statement should sign up by 11 a.m. The statements will be scheduled on a first-come, first-serve basis and may be limited in length to allow for participation by all parties. The panel will also accept written submissions. Written submissions can be mailed to US EPA, 401 M St. S.W., Mail Code 6406J (Attn: Blue-Ribbon Panel), Washington, D.C. 20460.

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