Auto Alliance spent about $1.64 million on Washington lobbying in first quarter

Auto industry group spent $1.64M on 1Q lobbying

WASHINGTON — The group that represents automakers spent nearly $1.64 million in the first quarter lobbying in Washington on issues such as distracted driving and fuel standards.

That was more than the $1.26 million that the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers spent lobbying Congress and the federal government during the 2009 first quarter and up from the $1.4 million it devoted to lobbying during the recent fourth quarter.

Issues the group listed in their disclosure report, filed April 20 with the House clerk’s office, included legislation targeted at texting while driving and other distracted driving measures.

It also lobbied on clean energy, pedestrian safety and reauthorization of federal entities like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.