States urge MTBE liability kept in Senate energy bill

摘要

The attorneys general of 12 states have written all 100 US senators urging them to oppose any provision in comprehensive energy legislation shielding MTBE makers from product liability lawsuits.The energy bill passed by the House Apr 21 would limit most suits against MTBE manufacturers and oil companies filed after Sep 5,2003,the AGs wrote in a May 27 letter."This would leave local taxpayers and water consumers to pay for the cleanup of contaminated drinking water wells,"the letter said."Moreover,it would set a disturbing precedent for having Congress legislatively determine that harmful compounds are not defective."