Costa Hails Passage of Meth Bill

December 13, 2005

Costa Hails Passage of Meth Bill

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) voiced his strong support today (Tuesday, December 13, 2005) on the floor of the House of Representatives for preventing families from being exposed to the hazardous remains of methamphetamine labs.

Speaking in support of HR 798, the "Methamphetamine Remediation Act of 2005," Costa brought attention to the epidemic sweeping the San Joaquin Valley. "We in California's Central Valley have been fighting rampant meth abuse, production and clean up for over 20 years."

HR 798 passed the House this afternoon on a unanimous vote. Costa said, "In the effort to keep residents safe from the waste produced by former meth labs, HR 798 requires the Environmental Protection Agency to develop guidelines that are voluntary and health-based for state and local governments to use in their clean-up efforts."

Costa cited the effects of such waste on members of the community who move into former meth labs. "Unfortunately, methamphetamine abusers are not the only victims of this destructive drug," the Valley lawmaker said. "Studies show that the production of methamphetamine in labs and "super labs" leave dangerous bi-products that put innocent children and law enforcement in harm's way."

As a Member of the California State Legislature, Costa authored a law raising penalties for trafficking, manufacturing and the sale of methamphetamine to the same level as heroin and cocaine. Since becoming a member of Congress, Costa has continued his efforts to stamp out meth production in the Valley. Costa voted for passage of HR 798 both in the Science Committee, of which he is a member, and on the House Floor.

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/ca20_costa/Methpassage.html