The Oxygenated Gas Blues is an inspiring true story of grassroots activism. Mandated by the federal government as of November 1992, oxygenated fuel was intended to improve air quality by reducing automobile pollution. But for thousands of people across the United States the new gasoline caused headaches, chest pains and other debilitating symptoms. Among those adversely affected was Barry Grossman, a 37-year-old salesman from New Jersey who decided to start a protest group called Oxybusters. Before long he was receiving dozens of calls a day from suffering motorists, and a grassroots movement had begun.
Another New Jersey resident who suffered the ill effects of oxygenated fuel was author Barry Dorfman. He joined Oxybusters and played a key role as the group expanded to other states.
In The Oxygenated Gas Blues, Dorfman provides an inside look at the intense battle to eliminate the key ingredient in most oxygenated fuels - methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE). Drawing from his extensive files and personal journal, he vividly documents this David-and-Goliath struggle that pitted ordinary citizens against the powerful oil industry and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Learn how politics played a major role in shaping environmental policies with billions of dollars at stake. Follow the twists and turns of this eye-opening journey that provides a unique perspective of one of the most controversial and misguided environmental programs in the history of the United States.
Here's what some activists had to say about oxygenated fuel and the gasoline additive MTBE:
" ... at first they were relieved to learn the possible cause of their illness, but soon their relief turned to anger when they realized their own government was poisoning them." - Barry Grossman, founder of Oxybusters of New Jersey.
"I was concerned that exposure to MTBE in gasoline could cause cancer, and indeed that turned out to be the case." - Myron A. Mehlman, Ph.D., world-renowned toxicologist.
"This is the worst public health threat ever created by government regulation." - Peter M. Joseph, Ph.D., professor of radiologic physics.
About the Author:
Barry P. Dorfman, M.Ed. is a pension consultant, freelance writer and musician living in Maple Shade, New Jersey. He served as the director of special projects for Oxybusters of New Jersey, a grassroots organization opposed to the use of oxygenated fuel. He received six annual songwriter's awards from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers for his protest song "The Oxygenated Gas Blues" which was played on talk radio stations around the country.
