Congressman Cohen Votes for Meth Remediation Research Act; Bill Passes the House of Representatives

Washington, DC -- Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Methamphetamine Remediation Research Act, sponsored by Tennessee Congressman Bart Gordon. The legislation will help law enforcement locate and shut down methamphetamine labs and supports essential research to determine the best way to clean up old labs and eliminate the chemicals that can harm the environment and lead to significant health problems.

Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) who voted for the legislation said, “It is vital that we aggressively address the scourge of meth, which has already ruined the lives of too many people and threatens our environment as well. While meth is more prevalent in rural Tennessee, meth labs have been discovered in nearly every major city in the state.”

The Methamphetamine Remediation Research Act requires the Environmental Protection Agency to develop guidelines for the cleanup of buildings where meth was made. More than 30 chemicals can be used to make meth, and many of the dangerous vapors can accumulate in walls or countertops. There is also the possibility of explosions and spills from the chemicals used in meth production. Cleanup of former meth labs can take months and cost thousands of dollars. Congressman Cohen said the bill is designed to bring uniformity and best practices to remediation.

In addition to developing federal guidelines, the legislation also will fund research for meth detection equipment and requires a study by the National Academy of Sciences on the long-term health effects for children and first responders who are exposed to meth labs.

-30-

Contact:

Marilyn Dillihay, Press Secretary, (202) 225-3265