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News from
Rep. Stephanie Herseth
HERSETH WORKS TO HELP COMMUNITIES CLEAN UP METH LAB SITES Addresses Acute Problem for Rural America February 5, 2007 –U.S. Rep. Stephanie Herseth is supporting H.R. 365, new legislation to help communities clean up methamphetamine labs and the toxic mess they leave behind. Herseth, co-chair of the House Rural Working Group, is a leader in the House effort to fight meth in rural areas across the country, including parts of South Dakota that have been victim to increased rates of methamphetamine production, use and distribution. The legislation is expected to move quickly through the House of Representatives this week. The Methamphetamine Remediation Research Act directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop health-based guidelines to assist state and local authorities in cleaning up former meth lab sites. Meth labs are often found in residential settings, such as houses, apartments and hotel rooms. Because the chemicals used in making meth are highly volatile, the toxic residue left threatens the health of the next person to occupy that space. Herseth said, “Unfortunately, rural America has one of the highest rates of meth use in the nation. We have to do more not only to prevent meth production and use, but also to assist communities in the aftermath. This bill works toward that goal, by establishing best practices to partner with local authorities and ensure a safe and complete clean-up process.” Herseth noted that the 2006 National Drug Threat Survey of state and local law enforcement agencies across the country, meth was named most often as the greatest drug threat in communities. In addition to establishing key guidelines for cleaning up former meth lab sites, the bill will also: Direct the National Institute
of Standards and Technology to consult with EPA in developing technologies
to detect meth labs, emphasizing in field test kits for law enforcement.
Herseth is a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of moderate Democrats committed to fiscal discipline and strong national security, and is co-chair of the Rural Working Group, which is dedicated to raise the profile of issues important to rural America. She also serves on three committees vital to South Dakota’s interest: Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs and Resources. # # # |
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