The Asphalt Institute, a trade group that promotes the use of petroleum asphalt, paid Albertine Enterprises $30,000 in the first six months of 2006 to lobby the federal government, according to a federal disclosure form.

The firm lobbied on research and development funding for asphalt research, according to the form posted online Friday by the Senate''s public records office.

Exxon Mobil Corp., Chevron Corp. and Valero Energy Corp. are among the more than 70 members of the Lexington, Ky.-based trade group.

Under a federal law enacted in 1995, lobbyists are required to disclose activities that could influence members of the executive and legislative branches. They must register with Congress within 45 days of being hired or engaging in lobbying.