In response to the growing concerns from State and local officials and the public, U.S. EPA Administrator Carol M. Browner appointed a Blue Ribbon Panel in November 1998, to investigate the air quality benefits and water quality concerns associated with oxygenates in gasoline, and to provide independent advice and recommendations on ways to maintain air quality while protecting water quality. The Panel members consisted of leading experts from the public health and scientific communities, automotive fuels industry, water utilities, and local and State governments. The Panel was charged to: (1) examine the role of oxygenates in meeting the nations goal of clean air; (2) evaluate each products efficiency in providing clean air benefits and the existence of alternatives; (3) assess the behavior of oxygenates in the environment; (4) review any known health effects; and (5) compare the cost of production and use and each products availability -- both at present and in the future. Further, the Panel studied the causes of ground water and drinking water contamination from motor vehicle fuels, and explored prevention and cleanup technologies for water and soil.

"This report was prepared by the Blue Ribbon Panel to review the use of MTBE and other oxygenates in gasoline. The Panel was appointed under a charter from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Air Act Advisory Committee, which was originally established on November 19, 1990 in accordance with the requirements of Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App. [Sec.] 9(c)." "ICF Consulting provided technical, analytical and administrative support for this report." "September 1999." Will be later published as EPA420-R-99-021 with the same title.