Coalition Make Strides in Action on Copper Theft
Representative Bart Stupak (D-MI) is working with ASA and other members of the Copper Coalition (www.coppercoalition.com) on drafting legislation to curb copper theft. With the price of copper pipe and tubing up over 70% since 2005, copper theft has become a growing epidemic. Representative Stupak, a former law enforcement officer, is Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee that will have jurisdiction over the legislation. A draft of the bill has not yet been finalized, but at a minimum, the measure will require scrap yards to document the transactions of those selling copper and will impose a civil penalty against scrap yard dealers for failure to document the transactions. Michigan has a major copper theft problem and with Representative Stupak’s background, he is eager to sponsor the legislation to stop this serious crime.