Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 10 MRSA §2413 is enacted to read:
1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.
A. "Federal RFG" means the reformulated gasoline blend approved by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under 42 United States Code, Section 7545(k) for sale and use in states other than California.
B. "Motor fuel dispenser" means a commercial motor fuel dispenser that dispenses automobile gasoline for retail sale.
C. "MTBE" means the gasoline-oxygenate methyl tertiary butyl ether.
2. Prohibition. A person may not own or operate a motor fuel dispenser in this State that dispenses automobile gasoline containing MTBE in a measurable quantity unless the dispenser has affixed on it in a position clear and conspicuous to a customer a label stating "contains MTBE" in a type at least 1/2 inch in height and at least 1/16 inch in width of stroke. The label may contain other information about the amount of MTBE in the gasoline, including a comparison with the amount found in federal RFG, as long as the information is accurate.
Sec. 2. 38 MRSA §585-H is enacted to read:
§585-H. MTBE monitoring and reductions
The department shall monitor shipments of gasoline to storage terminals in this State and compile annual reports showing the levels of methyl tertiary butyl ether, referred to in this section as "MTBE," in gasoline brought into this State.
The department shall promote and actively participate in regional efforts by state regulatory agencies in the Northeast to develop alternatives to the use of MTBE as a gasoline additive. In these efforts, the department shall work toward the goal of the elimination of MTBE in gasoline sold in the State by January 1, 2003 in a manner that:
1. Market constraints. Adequately accounts for market constraints related to supply and pricing; and
2. Lowest environmental impact. Based on thorough analysis and evaluation of alternatives to the use of MTBE, ensures the lowest possible total environmental impact.
The department shall annually, no later than February 1st of each year, present a report to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over natural resources matters on the levels of MTBE in gasoline brought into this State and the progress made in achieving the goal of eliminating MTBE in gasoline sold in the State by January 1, 2003. The committee may report out to any session of any Legislature legislation relating to MTBE use in gasoline.
Effective August 11, 2000, unless otherwise indicated.
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