Coalition Against Copper Theft
Bryan Jacobs · Executive Director
101 Constitution Avenue, NW · Washington, D.C. 20001
202-742-4461 (phone) · 202-772-2496 (fax)
www.coppercoalition.com

The Coalition Against Copper Theft is a Washington, D.C.-based advocacy group made up of some of America’s leading trade associations concerned with the widespread outbreak of copper theft.

The Coalition is dedicated to the passage of federal legislation in order to curb the rising tide of this crime that jeopardizes our nation’s critical infrastructure. Copper theft is a pervasive, opportunistic crime targeting transportation, communication and electricity networks.

Since commodity prices for copper have more than doubled in the past two years, the theft of copper from telephone lines, electrical substations, highway infrastructure and residential homes has grown exponentially. A conservative estimate by the Department of Energy indicates copper wire theft costs this nation almost $1 billion per year. More importantly is the human cost with a clear and definitive link between stealing copper and illegal drug use, primarily methamphetamines.

Every state in the country has been affected by this heinous activity but only a handful of states have enacted laws to reduce the threat. States that have enacted legislation simply put requirements on scrap yard dealers to document the transaction – but more needs to be done. As such, it is important that Congress take up this important cause to protect the American people.