Fuller disclosure of GM’s lobbying activities and expenditures is needed to assess whether GM’s lobbying is consistent with its expressed goals and shareholder interests.

Companies can give unlimited amounts to third party groups that spend millions on lobbying.[1] GM fails to fully disclose to GM shareholders its payments to trade associations and social welfare groups, or the amounts used for lobbying. This critically leaves out the actual amounts of GM’s payments being spent on lobbying. GM’s lack of disclosure can present reputational risk when its lobbying contradicts company public positions.

From 2022 through 2024 GM spent approximately $36 Million in federal lobbying. Open Secrets ranked GM as 16th out of 9,025 companies lobbying. GM already publishes a “Political Engagement Overview” which does an excellent job disclosing GM expenditures related to electoral spending but has some notable gaps in lobbying disclosure. For example there is no description of any state lobbying or if grassroots lobbying is utilized.

In addition there is a list of GM’s trade associations but divided into categories with huge payment ranges e.g. National Association of Manufacturers receives between $500K and $1 Million, and there is no detail provided on how much of GM’s dues are used for lobbying.

We appreciate GM’s strong commitment to addressing climate change and its strong program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as well as the pledge to follow the highest ethical standards when engaging in all political advocacy. Yet the Chamber of Commerce often lobbies against forward looking climate policies as does the Republication Attorneys General Association.”

Fuller disclosure of lobbying policies, expenditures, and decision-making processes would allow GM directors and shareholders to evaluate the risks created by GMs lobbying activities. Improved GM lobbying spending disclosure will protect the reputation of GM and preserve shareholder value.