Big Three tyre makers spend $2.2 million on lobbying in first half of 2007

Washington DC - The US operations of the world's three largest tyre makers spent nearly $2.2 million combined in lobbying Congress and federal agencies on various government issues in the first half of 2007, according to lobbying reports they filed with the Senate.

Goodyear spent the most-$1.52 million-lobbying Congress, the Department of Transportation (DOT), the State Department and the Commerce Department on issues such as corporate average fuel economy (CAFE); tyre rolling resistance; confidentiality of early warning information under the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation (TREAD) Act; Defense Department (DOD) appropriations provisions involving aircraft tyres; 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 tyre rolling resistance and DOD appropriations relating to military tyres.

All corporations and organisations with active Washington lobbyists must file lobbying reports with the Senate twice annually under the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995.

From Tire Business (A Crain publication)

Disclosure report from Michelin North America

Disclosure report from Bridgestone Americas Holding

Disclosure report from Goodyear tire & Rubber