Vehicle parts theft legislation progresses — House catalytic converter bill moves to full Committee

NTEA-supported legislation aimed at curbing the theft of catalytic converters and other related parts has been reported favorably to the full House Energy and Commerce Committee. Since catalytic converters contain precious metals, they have become an attractive target for theft. Diesel trucks have similar emission-control devices, diesel particulate filters (DPF) and diesel oxidation catalysts (DOC), which also contain precious metals, making those parts targets for theft as well.Representatives Jim Baird (R-IN) and Betty McCollum (D-MN) introduced the Preventing Auto Recycling Theft (PART) Act in the House, H.R. 5221, and Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Bernie Moreno (R-OH) introduced the Senate companion, S. 2238. In what has become increasingly rare, this legislation is truly bipartisan. The House bill currently has 59 co-sponsors – 38 Democrats and 21 Republicans.These bills are intended to assist law enforcement in addressing the theft of catalytic converters and other diesel parts by requiring traceable markings and increasing penalties for thefts. NTEA, along with other aligned organizations, recently delivered a letter to Congress in support of the bills. When the House Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee considered the legislation in February, they reported it favorably to the full House Energy and Commerce Committee. According to lead sponsor Congressman Baird, “Each year, thousands of Americans face costly repairs to their vehicles as catalytic converter thefts have surged nationwide. These thefts can have devastating financial consequences on Americans and business owners, and it has become a significant problem in Central Indiana. I first introduced the PART Act after hearing from numerous constituents and local law enforcement officers about the growing prevalence of catalytic converter thefts. I am proud to introduce this bill to take action on this pressing issue by closing the loopholes in our legal system that allow thieves to steal this essential car part and empowering law enforcement to hold these thieves accountable. I also thank Congresswoman Betty McCollum for her continued work with me on this critical issue affecting Hoosiers and Americans across the country.”“Catalytic converter theft continues to be a common and costly problem for drivers across the nation, and specifically in the Twin Cities,” said Congresswoman McCollum. “I am pleased to join my Republican colleague, Rep. Baird, in reintroducing the PART Act. By working with auto manufacturers in writing the regulations to properly track catalytic converters, the PART Act gives law enforcement the tools they need to prevent this crime. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to pass this vital legislation.”Affected partsCatalytic converters, DPFs, and DOCs are integral parts of the emissions system of modern vehicles. As required by the Clean Air Act, these parts reduce emissions from internal combustion engines (ICE) using specific precious metals that act as catalysts to remove toxic elements from the exhaust. These precious metals have risen in value over the years, and the parts are relatively easy for thieves to access, allowing them to remove the parts quickly. These stolen parts can be worth hundreds of dollars on the black market and are easily trafficked. Owners could face thousands in repair and replacement costs.The PART Act would require new vehicles to have unique identifying numbers, like a VIN or other traceable number, stamped on catalytic converters at the time of assembly; establish a grant program to assist with marking specific parts of vehicles already in commerce at no cost to vehicle owners; create new requirements for record-keeping by purchasers; and codify the theft, sale, trafficking or purchase of stolen parts as a federal crime.While several states have successfully enacted laws to combat this crime, stolen parts often cross state lines, requiring a federal remedy.The PART Act empowers law enforcement officers to match stolen parts to the vehicle from which they were stolen.Support H.R. 5221 and S. 2238If you have been the victim of such thefts or want to support action to protect against future thefts, please call or email your legislators and ask them to support the PART Act – H.R. 5221 in the House and S. 2238 in the Senate.You can identify and contact your Representative (House) and Senator (Senate) at congress.gov.Learn more at ntea.com/advocacy.

Vehicle parts theft legislation progresses — House catalytic converter bill moves to full Committee

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