By Gemma Q. Casas
Variety News Staff

A NEW law prohibits recycling centers from shipping out of the CNMI copper wire within 45 days of its purchase.
House Bill 15-200, which was offered by Rep. Ray Yumul, Ind.-Saipan, and 17 other lawmakers, became Public Law 15-55 on April 24.
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial said he signed the bill because he believes it will help law enforcers to curb the rampant stealing of copper wire in the commonwealth.
However, he noted that the new law does not have a penalty provision for those who do not comply with the 45-day waiting period.
“I recommend that the Legislature consider amending the legislation to provide for such a penalty, which should assist us in its enforcement,” he added.
According to lawmakers, the theft of copper and other wire has become a serious problem for residents and businesses in the CNMI.
“The thefts not only cause business owners and taxpayers financial loss but they also interfere with the provision of electricity to homes, stores, and other critical infrastructure. Too often, this wire is stolen, stripped down and resold as after-market wire,” the new law stated.
“The Legislature finds that it is necessary to implement a 45-day waiting period prior to the sale of after-market copper wire to prevent the further destruction of property in the commonwealth,” it added.
According to the law, no recycled product is to be removed from the commonwealth within 45 days after the date of purchase by the recycler, unless cleared by the Department of Public Safety and the Division of Customs.
DPS and Customs are mandated to “investigate shipments of recycled products for compliance.”
Copper wire sold to recycling centers here is shipped to China and other countries.