February 7, 2007

Ellsworth Continues Fight Against Methamphetamines

Supports Increased Tools for Local Communities

WASHINGTON-- Continuing his track record as a leader in the war against methamphetamines, Rep. Brad Ellsworth (D-Evansville) today supported new tools for local communities fighting the spread of the dangerous drug.

"For many years, I worked in law enforcement as a narcotics officer, and I've seen firsthand the destruction and strain meth brings to our local communities," said Ellsworth, a former Vanderburgh County Sheriff. "Finding a solution to this problem requires a unified effort by local, state, and federal lawmakers to give law enforcement professionals the tools they need and I am proud to do my part."

Today, the House passed the Methamphetamine Remediation Research Act of 2007 (H.R. 365). The bill establishes an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) program to research meth production residues and their long-term health effects on children and first responders. It instructs the EPA to work with state and local officials to develop best practices for recovery and remediation of labs. It also authorizes $750,000 for the development of field meth detection kits for first responders.

"For many years first responders were forced to roll the dice and hope for the best when it came to their safety in these environments," said Ellsworth. "This legislation empowers them to assess and minimize the risk to their health and safety as they complete the critical work of cleaning up our communities."

The Indiana State Police reported a decrease in the number of meth labs dismantled in 2006, from 989 in 2005 to 740 in 2006; however, the problem remains significant in south and west Indiana.

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