Missouri Enacts Labeling Law

Missouri Governor Bob Holden signed into law legislation requiring MTBE to be labeled on fuel pumps.  According to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, MTBE has been detected in at least 37 Missouri drinking water wells.

"For years, we have labeled pumps that contain ten percent ethanol.  This works to inform and promote use of the fuel.  Senate Bill 462, which calls for the labeling of all oxygenate additives over one percent, is a great next step in making ethanol the oxygenate of choice for Missouri consumers," Holden said.

Originally intended for enactment by the end of August, the Missouri Department of Agriculture agreed to give fuel retailers in the St. Louis area until December 1st to comply with the law.  Fuel retailers in other parts of the state will have until January 1, 2002 to label their pumps.