News Release (C-07-99)

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For Immediate Release (C-07-99) Contact: James Spagnole (916) 324-9670 February 24, 1999

Secretary Hickox Extends Public Testimony Period on MTBE

SACRAMENTO -- Winston H. Hickox, Secretary for Environmental Protection, today announced an additional period of time for submission of written testimony and documentary evidence on MTBE. The period was extended twenty-one days to close on Wednesday, March 17, 1999, due to the staggering amount of oral and documentary evidence, as well as the large number of individuals and industry representatives who testified in three days of hearings before a multi-Agency panel.

Secretary Hickox cited the concurrence of Senator Richard Mountjoy, author of Senate Bill 521, in this extension. SB 521 defined the schedule for the examination of methyl tertiary-butyl ether’s (MTBE) impact on California’s environment and the health of its citizens.

"Keeping the record open until March 17, 1999 will enable interested parties that were limited by time constraints to submit new and updated documentation in response to information learned at the hearing," said Secretary Hickox.

Upon closing the written documentation period on March 17th, Cal/EPA will assemble, categorize, and analyze the information presented. In accordance with SB 521, upon receipt of the analysis from Cal/EPA and the hearing Panel, Governor Gray Davis will have ten days to address the conclusion and recommendations of the U. C. Davis report.

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