Gordon’s Meth Bill Clears Science and Technology Committee

January 24, 2007, WASHINGTON, D.C. – In its first full meeting of the 110th Congress, the House Committee on Science and Technology approved U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon’s bill aimed at cleaning up former methamphetamine labs.

“I’m proud this bill was the first one considered by the committee,” said Gordon, Chairman of the House Committee on Science and Technology. “This bill will bring much needed help to state and local law communities working to combat our country’s dangerous meth problem.”

H.R. 365, dubbed the Methamphetamine Remediation Research Act of 2007, cleared the committee today (Jan. 24) with unanimous support. The legislation focuses on the clean-up needs for former meth labs.

The Drug Enforcement Administration reports that more than 850 meth labs were seized in Tennessee in 2005, accounting for 75 percent of all lab seizures in the Southeast. Only three states in the nation reported more math lab seizures than Tennessee.

An extremely addictive drug, meth continues to damage the lives of individuals and families in nearly ever area of the country. Its production and use has taken a considerable human an environmental toll on local communities. Untrained individuals “cook” meth using toxic chemicals in makeshift laboratories, leaving behind dangerous residues that can coat the walls, furniture and floors of a meth lab.

“Right now, there are unsuspecting families living in homes that were once illegal meth labs,” Gordon said. “Dangerous and hidden toxic substances in these sites threaten the health of these families – with children being the most vulnerable to the devastating long-term effects of exposure.”

Gordon’s bill:
• Requires the Environmental Protection Agency to develop model, voluntary, health-based clean-up guidelines for use by states and localities;
• Authorizes the National Institute of Standards and Technology to initiate a research program to develop meth detection equipment for field use; and
• Requires a study by the National Academy of Sciences on the long-term health impact of exposure to meth labs on children and first-responders.

Gordon first introduced the bill in the 109th Congress, and it passed both the House and Senate but failed to complete the process before the Congress adjourned.

“Unfortunately, the need for this legislation is as strong today as when I first introduced it a year and a half ago,” the congressman added.