civus
ResolutionADOPTED

Resolution 000188

Calling for hearings by the Committee on Law and Government on the health effects of MTBE on Philadelphians.

Introduced Mar 30, 2000Committee on Law and GovernmentOfficial record: City of Philadelphia via Legistar

Introduced by

Councilmember CohenCouncil President VernaCouncilmember GoodeCouncilmember MillerCouncilmember Reynolds BrownCouncilmember OrtizCouncilmember KrajewskiCouncilmember NutterCouncilmember ClarkeCouncilmember TascoCouncilmember KenneyCouncilmember DiCiccoCouncilmember O'NeillCouncilmember RizzoCouncilmember Blackwell

From the floor

Passages in the official transcripts that cite this file number. Every quote links to its exact place in the record.

  1. “To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Law and Government, to which was referred Resolution No. 000188, entitled "A resolution calling for hearings by the Committee on Law and Government on the health effects of MTBE on Philadelphians,' respectfully reports that after a full public hearing on June 22, 2000, it has adopted the attached report and requests that the sai…”

    Ms. Rafferty · Stated Meeting, June 22, 2000 · Jun 22, 2000 · official transcript, this passage

  2. “It has been moved and seconded that Resolution No. 000188 and its attached report and its findings be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and Resolution No. 000188 is adopted.”

    Council President Verna · Stated Meeting, June 22, 2000 · Jun 22, 2000 · official transcript, this passage

Status timeline

  1. Mar 30, 2000Referred · CITY COUNCIL
  2. Mar 30, 2000Introduced · CITY COUNCIL
  3. May 23, 2000HEARING HELD · Committee on Law and Government
  4. May 23, 2000RECESSED · Committee on Law and Government
  5. Jun 15, 2000RECESSED · Committee on Law and Government
  6. Jun 15, 2000HEARING HELD · Committee on Law and Government
  7. Jun 22, 2000READ · CITY COUNCIL
  8. Jun 22, 2000REPORTED FAVORABLY · Committee on Law and Government
  9. Jun 22, 2000HEARING HELD · Committee on Law and Government
  10. Jun 22, 2000ADOPTED · CITY COUNCIL

Official documents

Documents open on the City of Philadelphia’s legislative site.

Full text

Read the full text as published

..Title Calling for hearings by the Committee on Law and Government on the health effects of MTBE on Philadelphians. ..Body WHEREAS, The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 require the use of reformulated gasoline with oxygen additives in areas of the United States, including Philadelphia, that have substantial ozone pollution; and WHEREAS, In 1992, Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) was ordered by the Environmental Protection Agency to be put in gasoline in 16 states with high air pollution to curtail excessive carbon monoxide exhaust from automobiles and trucks; and WHEREAS, MTBE was found to pollute ground water through leaks from underground storage tanks or spills while refueling motor vehicles, boats, lawnmowers and open containers; and WHEREAS, MTBE and its derivatives, particularly, methyl nitrite, an extremely toxic substance, appear to be causing respiratory illnesses, headaches, nausea, asthma, bronchitis and sinus problems from the exhaust and fumes from cars burning MTBE; and WHEREAS, The cases of asthma, particularly in children, are skyrocketing throughout Philadelphia and the cities using MTBE; and WHEREAS, Carol Browner, Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, recently called for the banning of MTBE because it poses a risk to public health and the environment; however, she expects the ban to take up to 3 years to implement; therefore RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That the Law & Government Committee hold hearings to investigate the health and environmental risks associated with Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether and its derivatives, and to urge speedy implementation of the ban on MTBE. ..End