Corporate Political Contributions
DTE Energy may use corporate treasury funds only for legally permissible contributions to political organizations for initiatives that support the goals and business objectives of the Company. Such contributions are generally made only upon a specific request from such an organization.
DTE Energy will comply with all applicable laws governing its legally permissible corporate contributions to political organizations. Federal and Michigan law strictly prohibits the direct contribution of corporate treasury funds to candidates running for federal and state office or to their campaign committees. Also, as a general practice, we do not make independent political expenditures with corporate treasury funds. For DTE’s purposes, independent expenditures are defined as those funds expended by the company to directly support or defeat a candidate. If for some reason DTE does make an independent expenditure, the company would disclose in a manner consistent with our voluntary disclosure policy.
DTE will make corporate contributions to 527 tax-exempt organizations that engage in political activities, Super PACs and Ballot Question Committees. DTE Energy also makes contributions to 501(c)(4) organizations whose primary purpose is to promote social welfare through active engagement with the community, and may utilize some funds for policy and political purposes in alignment with IRS guidelines and requirements.