TOP BUSH AIR OFFICIAL SAYS OXYGENATE REQUIREMENT 'MAY NOT BE NEEDED'

The Bush Administration's top air official says a controversial oxygenated fuel requirement "may not be needed," adding that U.S. EPA is hoping comprehensive energy legislation would relieve states like New York and California from having to blend their gasoline with oxygenates, such as MTBE or ethanol. The statement fuels speculation that the administration is inclined to grant such waivers. "We kept hoping Congress would deal with it, but we now have an independent responsibility to deal with it," said Jeffrey...