Oklahoma oil company is one of 22 sued over gas additive

(Concord, New Hampshire-AP) -- An Oklahoma oil company is one of 22 being sued by the state of New Hampshire because of the gasoline additive MTBE.<br><br>Citgo Petroleum Corporation of Tulsa is one of

Monday, October 6th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Concord, New Hampshire-AP) -- An Oklahoma oil company is one of 22 being sued by the state of New Hampshire because of the gasoline additive MTBE.

Citgo Petroleum Corporation of Tulsa is one of the companies named in the lawsuit.

The lawsuit accuses the companies of adding increasing amounts of MTBE to gas, despite knowing for years that it contaminates water supplies.

MTBE is added to gasoline to reduce air pollution.

The lawsuit asks that the companies pay for all costs, including investigative and cleanup.

New Hampshire assistant Attorney General Maureen Smith says millions has been spent investigating and cleaning up MTBE pollution. She would not put a specific dollar amount on the costs or the damages the state is seeking.

Spokesmen for several oil companies say they aren't familiar with the lawsuit and need time to respond.