Home Depot Lobbies on Imported Wood Bill

Washington, DC, April 24, 2008--The Home Depot Inc. spent $1.18 million to lobby the federal government on timber and energy legislation, among other issues, last year.
 
The company spent $607,000 to lobby in the second half of the year, according to a form posted online Feb. 14 by the Office of the Clerk in the House of Representatives.

The company lobbied on a measure that would ban the importation, sale or purchase of timber harvested in violation of U.S. or foreign laws, which has a direct impact on imported hardwood flooring, and on the regulation and supervision of industrial-loan companies. Home Depot and other retailers have sought to operate ILCs, which are federally insured institutions operated by nonfinancial companies that can issue credit cards, make loans and take deposits.

Home Depot also lobbied on a massive energy bill that would ban the incandescent light bulb in favor of energy-efficient lighting.