Statement by New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer on General Motors Lobbying Disclosure Vote

Today, New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer issued the following statement in response to a 33 percent vote in favor of a shareholder resolution requesting General Motors (GM) disclose its lobbying policies, as well as its spending and its decision-making and board oversight of lobbying. Comptroller Stringer and the co-filers filed the proposal in response to GM’s support for weakening the federal rule governing fuel economy and GHG emission standards, as well as its decision to intervene in litigation in order to support the revocation of state authority, both of which expose the company to legal, regulatory and reputational risks.

“When GM states that it is committed to a zero-emissions future while seeking to undermine climate policies through litigation and lobbying, it erodes the company’s credibility and global competitiveness and puts our planet and our future on the line. There is a clear misalignment between GM’s public support for a low-carbon economy and its actions behind the scenes. Lobbying must be transparent, disclosed annually to shareholders, and consistent with the Paris Agreement. This year’s vote reflects significant investor support and represents progress from last year, and we will continue to keep up the pressure.”

On June 2, Comptroller Stringer sent GM CEO Barra a letter strongly recommending that neither GM nor the Auto Alliance intervene on behalf of the Administration in recent litigation challenging the new federal standards as too weak, and also again requested that GM join the California compromise agreement. GM has still refused to join the five automakers who have entered into the California compromise agreement, which would enhance GM’s global competitiveness and provide protection from regulatory and legal uncertainty.

###