Eastman Chemical spent $270K to lobby gov't in 1Q

Eastman Chemical Co. spent $270,000 in the first quarter to lobby on the federal stimulus package and other issues, according to a recent disclosure report.

The Kingsport, Tenn.-based company also lobbied on legislation involving greenhouse gas emissions during the January-March period, according to a report filed April 20 with the House clerk's office.

A cap-and-trade system would set a ceiling on emissions and essentially tax companies like Eastman, then allow them to either reduce their pollution or buy credits from firms that have met the targets.

The federal stimulus package _ which injected large amounts of cash into several key markets that Eastman serves _ was signed into law by President Barack Obama in February.