State of Rhode Island Files Lawsuit Against 34 Oil Companies for Costs Associated with MTBE Contamination Cleanup

Gasoline Additive Considered a Probable Human Carcinogen

DALLAS (Sept. 8, 2016) – The State of Rhode Island has filed a lawsuit against nearly three dozen oil companies for costs associated with cleaning up MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether), a gasoline additive that contaminates groundwater throughout the state.

Baron & Budd is serving as co-counsel on the case. Baron & Budd’s Scott Summy previously filed the first MTBE contamination lawsuit in the United States.

“We are proud to have been selected to represent the State of Rhode Island against the oil industry, which wrongfully decided to use MTBE as a gasoline additive,” said Summy, the head of Baron & Budd’s Environmental Litigation Group. “We look forward to working with the State in pursuing this very important case.”

Baron & Budd has represented hundreds of public entities in matters involving environmental litigation, including MTBE. If you would like to learn about how we may be able to help your water district, town, city or state, please click here to contact us online or call 866-700-8994 for a confidential consultation.

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The law firm of Baron & Budd, P.C., with offices in Dallas, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Austin and Los Angeles, is a nationally recognized law firm with a nearly 40-year history of "Protecting What’s Right" for people, communities and businesses harmed by negligence. Baron & Budd’s size and resources enable the firm to take on large and complex cases. The firm represents individuals and government and business entities in areas as diverse as dangerous pharmaceuticals and medical devices, environmental contamination, the Gulf oil spill, financial fraud, overtime violations, deceptive advertising, automotive defects, trucking accidents, nursing home abuse, and asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma.