| 1979 |
MTBE first added to some of the U.S. gasoline supply |
| 1980 |
First documented case of MTBE contamination in Rockaway, NJ; Oil industry learns of unique MTBE risk to environment |
| Mid 1980s |
Internal documents reveal that oil industry engineers discover MTBE contamination risks and counsel companies against its use |
| Late 1980s |
EPA estimates 35% of underground gas storage tanks leak |
| 1986 |
Maine DEP scientists publish research on MTBE contamination risks |
| 1990 |
Clean Air Act passed by Congress requires non-specific oxygenates added to gasoline in Reformulated Gas States |
| 1995 |
Scott Summy files first MTBE contamination case representing Wilmington, NC residents against Conoco |
| 1997 |
Summy and legal team win favorable verdict for clients and successfully resolve first MTBE lawsuit |
| 1998 |
Summy files water contamination suit on behalf of Communities for a Better Environment (California) and uncovers documents showing corporate knowledge of MTBE risks for the 1980s, which become basis for future product liability claims. |
| 2000 |
City of Santa Monica forced to import 30% of drinking water following MTBE contamination of wells; hires Summy and Baron & Budd in suit against oil companies |
| 2002 |
Baron & Budd reaches significant settlement with oil companies on behalf of City of Santa Monica |
| 2002 |
South Tahoe settles with major oil refiners and MTBE manufacturers |
| 2003 |
Amendment to Energy Bill absolving oil companies of liability in MTBE claims is defeated in U.S. Senate by one vote |
| 2005 |
Second oil industry attempt to get MTBE liability immunity from congress is also defeated |
| 2008 |
Baron & Budd’s Scott Summy, as co-lead counsel for 153 plaintiffs from 17 states, reaches historic partial settlement with oil industry, including substantial monetary recovery as well as 30-year well protection plan |
