WASHINGTON -- Forty-two senators on Friday urged that product liability protection for makers of the gasoline additive MTBE be kept out of a comprehensive energy bill, although key House Republicans have insisted on the industry protection.
The MTBE waiver issue is one of a handful of disputes that has stalled agreement between the Senate and House over a final energy bill that President Bush has urged lawmakers to complete before Congress adjourns for the year.
While congressional leaders were scheduled to meet next week to try to iron out divisive issues, including the MTBE waiver dispute, Senate Republicans suggested this week that if one side or the other doesn't budge, there might not be an energy bill until next year.
Four moderate Republicans and Independent Sen. Jim Jeffords of Vermont joined 37 Democrats in opposing the gasoline additive waiver.
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