GM spent $6.2M lobbying in 2007

General Motors Corp. (NYSE:BGM) spent $6.2 million in the first half of 2007 to lobby the federal government, according to a disclosure form.

The Detroit-based automaker lobbied on numerous issues, including vehicle and passenger safety, fuel-economy standards, research and development funding for renewable energy and highway funding among others, according to the form posted online Friday by the Senate's public records office.

In addition to Congress, the company lobbied the Energy, Transportation and Commerce departments, Council on Environmental Quality, Environmental Protection Agency, National Transportation Safety Board and others.

Under a federal law enacted in 1995, lobbyists are required to disclose activities that could influence members of the executive and legislative branches. They must register with Congress within 45 days of being hired or engaging in lobbying.