Utility spends 780,000 dollars to lobby feds

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - Now what could Progress Energy want from the federal government?

The Raleigh, N.C., electric utility spent $780,000 in the first half of 2007 to lobby the federal government, according to a recent disclosure form.

Its concerns included climate change, clean air, energy efficiency, taxes and competition in the rail industry, according to the form posted online Aug. 9 by the Senate's public records office.

Under federal law, lobbyists must disclose activities that could influence members of the executive and legislative branches.