Etheridge Votes to Protect N.C. from Methamphetamine Labs

News Release
Congressman Bob Etheridge
North Carolina

December 13, 2005

Contact: Joanne Peters
Phone: (202) 225-4531

Etheridge Votes to Protect N.C. from Methamphetamine Labs

WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington), a member of the Congressional Meth Caucus, voted today for legislation that will help protect communities and first responders from the dangers of methamphetamine labs. The House passed H.R. 798, the Methamphetamine Remediation Research Act, by a voice vote.

Etheridge is an original cosponsor of the legislation, which would require the federal government to establish voluntary guidelines for the remediation of former methamphetamine labs and to create a research program to develop new methamphetamine detection technologies and to understand the environmental and health effects of methamphetamine production. The legislation also authorizes $4.5 million in federal funding to carry out the bill's provisions.

"Meth is a dangerous drug which is harmful to our North Carolina communities, families and first responders. Unlike most illegal drugs, meth is easily manufactured in homes, and even cars, with volatile chemicals that have potentially fatal consequences. Meth labs not only threaten the users, but also children in the household, neighbors and first responders," said Etheridge. "The Methamphetamine Remediation Research Act will help our first responders to safely shut down meth labs, increasing the safety of our communities and families."

By mid-November 2005, agents in North Carolina had shut down 294 methamphetamine labs this year, up from only nine in 1999. Methamphetamine use, once only common in the west coast, is rapidly growing in rural areas and the Southeast.

Etheridge has been a leading advocate in Congress of providing increased funding to fight methamphetamine. In August 2004, Etheridge held a Congressional summit with local first responders and representatives from local, state and federal agencies to discuss the growing problem of methamphetamine use in the 2nd Congressional District.

The legislation now moves to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

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