News Release (C-02-99)

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For Immediate Release (C-02-99) Contact: James Spagnole (916) 324-9670 January 11, 1999

Cal/EPA Extends Public Comment Period on U.C. Davis MTBE Report

SACRAMENTO – Recognizing the importance of the fullest possible public discourse, today newly appointed Secretary for Environmental Protection, Winston H. Hickox announced an extension of the public comment period to receive additional comments on the University of California report prepared pursuant to SB 521(Mountjoy).

"I have spoken with Senator Mountjoy and he concurs that the fullest possible discourse, particularly in view of a new Gubernatorial administration, is a sound policy decision which in no way dilutes the impetus of his bill," said Hickox.

SB 521 requires public hearings on the U.C. report and two peer reviews already submitted within thirty days of their submission. Those peer reviews were received by

Governor Wilson’s office on December 24^th, which then required that the two public hearings called for would have to be held no later than January 22^nd.

"We could accomplish the bill’s schedule," said Hickox, "but the more equitable thing to do, for the Davis administration and the public, is to extend the public comment period only for thirty days and reschedule these two required hearings, possibly adding a third," he noted.

Cal/EPA officials who were ready to comply with the notice requirements will now remove the Notice of Intent from the Cal/EPA web site and publish the new dates for the hearings once facilities, locations, and panel member schedules are confirmed.

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