Gas Additive

Re “Chevron Seeks to Stop Using Additive MTBE,” Dec. 3: The Western States Petroleum Assn. has not called for the phase-out or ban of the gasoline oxygenate MTBE. Your story said we are “urging that MTBE be scrapped.” Not so. We have long supported Rep. Brian P. Bilbray’s (R-San Diego) legislation to give flexibility for California’s refiners by eliminating the federal oxygenate mandate, while maintaining the benefits of cleaner-burning gasoline.

Any change to the current gasoline regulation will require careful work by our industry and the Air Resources Board to ensure that California motorists continue to have affordable, reliable, abundant and clean gasoline.

DOUGLAS F. HENDERSON

Exec. Dir., Western States

Petroleum Assn., Glendale