(The Associated Press circulated the following on May 22.)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Railroad operator Union Pacific Corp. spent nearly $2.4 million in the first quarter of the year to lobby against legislation that would limit the industry’s antitrust exemptions and other issues.
The company also lobbied on legislation dealing with climate change, security issues, tax matters and more, according to the form posted online April 18 by the House clerk’s office.
The Omaha, Neb.-based railroad spent more than $9.7 million to lobby the federal government in 2007.
Lawmakers are considering legislation, which is supported by a coalition of more than 3,500 electric, utility, chemical and manufacturing companies, that would subject railroads to stiffer antitrust standards.
Besides Congress, Union Pacific lobbied the Environmental Protection Agency, the Bureau of Land Management and others in the first three months of the year.