Illinois Bans MTBE

Illinois Governor George Ryan signed the MTBE Elimination Act, which bans the use, manufacture or sale of MTBE as a fuel additive and the transportation of fuel containing MTBE in the state Illinois, effective July 24, 2004.  "MTBE is known to contaminate ground water.  This law bans it's use in Illinois fuel and gives us the opportunity to use more ethanol produced from Illinois-grown corn," Governor Ryan said.  "We will produce fuel that promotes clean air and does not contaminate our drinking water."

"Illinois has already embraced the use of ethanol over MTBE and we have enjoyed the environmental benefits of that choice," said Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director Thomas Skinner.  "Using ethanol in reformulated gasoline already reduces carbon monoxide emissions in the Chicago metro area by 780 tons per day.  And our choice of ethanol over MTBE has limited our state's exposure to ground water contamination."

"Our farmers have known for some time that they hold the key to keeping our air and water clean while reducing our reliance on foreign oil," said Illinois Agriculture Director Joe Hampton.  "I know they appreciate this strong statement of support for their efforts from Governor Ryan and the legislature."