CHANTILLY, Va. — The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association is actively supporting bipartisan Senate legislation introduced by Sens. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., to deter metal theft.

This multifaceted approach tracking valued construction materials aims to decrease metal theft, thereby protecting critical infrastructure, promoting public safety and saving money and valuable resources. It is likely that S 394 will be added to legislation expected to pass this session of Congress.

Construction sites, foreclosed homes, telecommunications infrastructure, retail shops, and utilities are common targets as thieves steal copper, sheet steel, wiring, air conditioning units, and other sources of metal that they can sell to scrap yards.

Most states have enacted laws addressing metal theft, but SMACNA said it is important that federal law complement the efforts of state and local authorities.

Publication date: 5/13/2013

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