CURRENT AFFAIRS
By Eric Coleman
Oakland County Commissioner
National Association of Counties 2nd Vice President

Last month, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a comprehensive energy bill, which included a controversial provision that provides safe harbor protection for producers of a very dangerous fuel additive called Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE). In other words, if this legislation successfully passes Congress and is signed by the President, MTBE producers will not be responsible for contaminating the drinking water in thousands of communities across the country—property taxpayers will.

MTBE is a known water pollutant. It leaks from underground storage tanks, pipelines, spills and emissions into our ground and surface water. Counties, cities, towns are responsible for cleaning up MTBE in the drinking water. Local governments must ensure that its citizens are drinking safe water.

Yet, the House of Representatives seeks to give the oil industry a huge break by shifting the enormous burden—estimated at $29 billion—of clean-up costs to local governments. This is unfair. Unfair to local governments, and especially unfair to us taxpayers.

Because of the high-cost of MTBE cleanup, local governments could be forced to raise property taxes or cut other services. The producers of MTBE should have a role in paying for the results of their mess.

Originally, MTBE was proposed as an additive when lead was banned in gasoline. As an additive, it helps engines burn cleaner. Yet, in 1995, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) labeled MTBE as a human carcinogen. And—according to several reports, the oil industry knew of the dangerous effects of MTBE as early as 1981. MTBE in drinking water produces a nasty smell, and a taste some liken to turpentine.

Although there is no nation-wide data on MTBE contamination in drinking water, several recent reports show that this is a widespread problem. In fact, a recent United States Geological Survey (USGS) study showed MTBE contamination in 55 percent of the metropolitan water systems that were tested.

But its not only a national problem, it’s also a local problem here in Oakland County. Milford Township in western Oakland County, just 30 miles from Southfield, has reported 61 MTBE detections since 1993. And in 2003, the state of Michigan banned MTBE.

The U.S. Senate has yet to take action on the House energy bill. Fortunately, in past energy legislation, the Senate has shown a willingness to strike these unfair immunity provisions from the bill. Yet, we must remain vigilant. The oil industry has many powerful friends in Congress—and they are going to do whatever it takes to give the industry a $29 billion free pass.

It must be said again that local governments are doing everything to ensure that its citizens are safe. That includes keeping drinking water contaminant-free. But this costs money–$29 billion nation-wide. Is it fair that counties and cities have to pay for this? I don’t think so. If you agree, call your Congressman and Senators and let them know how you feel about MTBE.