Steptoe Lobbying for Natural Gas Group on Energy and Tax Legislation

Steptoe & Johnson LLP has notified Congress that it is lobbying for the natural gas industry's leading trade group.

The American Gas Association (AGA) has enlisted the firm to advocate for it on "Issues relating to Energy and Tax legislation," according to a lobbying registration report filed with the U.S. House of Representatives on Monday. Elizabeth Burks, a Steptoe managing director of government affairs and public policy, is handling the account.

Burks couldn't immediately be reached for comment. But George Lowe, vice president of federal affairs, said in a written statement that AGA is looking for Congress to pass "meaningful fiscal and tax reform" and stay clear of the "fiscal cliff" -- spending cuts and tax increases that are set for 2013.

"AGA has engaged Steptoe and Johnson in order to help advocate on these critical issues, and we look forward to working with this established group to benefit our members," Lowe said.

The trade group spent $272,000 on federal lobbying during the first half of this year, according to congressional records. For its government advocacy work, AGA used its own staffers and outside lobbyists, including members of the Capitol Hill Consulting Group.