WASHINGTON (Sept. 12) — The U.S. operations of the world's three largest tire makers spent nearly $2.2 million combined in lobbying Congress and federal agencies on government issues in the first half of 2007, according to lobbying reports filed with the Senate.
Goodyear spent the most — $1.52 million — lobbying Congress, the Transportation Department, the State Department and the Commerce Department on issues such as corporate average fuel economy; tire rolling resistance; confidentiality of early warning information under the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation Act; Defense Department appropriations provisions involving aircraft tires; and Superfund.
Bridgestone Americas Holding Inc. spent $500,000 lobbying Congress, DOT, the Commerce Department and the Environmental Protection Agency on TREAD Act issues. Michelin North America Inc. spent $144,875 lobbying Congress on tire rolling resistance and DOD appropriations relating to military tires.
All corporations and organizations with active Washington lobbyists must file lobbying reports with the Senate twice annually under the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995.