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Apr 22, 2005 1:30 PM

The House of Representatives has adopted a supply-based, compromise energy bill containing an acceptable balanced package of fuels provisions, according to information from the National Petrochemical and Refiners Association (NPRA).

Provisions in the April 21 legislation remove the federal mandate for oxygenates, provide additional funds for underground storage tank clean-up, and affirm a limited liability provision for production and marketing of methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), an additive required under the Clean Air Act.

“Some have greatly mischaracterized the limited liability provision for MTBE, said Bob Slaughter, NPRA president. "In reality, the provision ensures fairness and consumer protection, while allowing proper claims to proceed and additional funds to flow to remediation. Despite efforts by some to exaggerate the impact of the provision, the majority of the House clearly understands that this is a carefully crafted and narrow provision that will expedite cleanup and eliminate unnecessary and counterproductive litigation while preserving traditional legal remedies."

Other bill provisions address increased refiner capacity and natural gas development by increasing domestic exploration and development on non-park federal lands and by authorizing expansion of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to one- billion barrels.

Bill HR 6 passed the House with a vote of 249-183.

Click here to see more about the legislation.