Congratulations are in order to Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins for their support of a filibuster on the energy bill considered in the Senate. By supporting the filibuster, they also demonstrated support for safe drinking water and public health.

The energy bill, as written, would provide product liability immunity to the manufacturers of MTBE, an additive used in gasoline since the 1970s. MTBE has been found to contaminate drinking water supplies around the nation. Although Lake Auburn has not had an MTBE contamination, we are very concerned about the additive. The problem with contamination is both widespread and growing. Today, MTBE contamination cleanup costs have an estimated price tag of $29 billion.

MTBE product liability immunity would excuse gasoline makers from their role in polluting our drinking water, forcing water utilities – and ultimately water consumers – to assume the $29 billion cleanup. Who should pay for the cleanup, the industry that created the pollution or the public?

Communities afflicted by MTBE contamination have a right to hold accountable those responsible for polluting the water. The Senate is expected to again consider the energy bill when it reconvenes in January. As long as the bill includes the egregious MTBE provision, Sens. Snowe and Collins should continue to support a filibuster on the measure.

Mary Jane Dillingham, Auburn Water District, Lewiston Water Division

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