Kiles Korner, a gas station on the Yakama Nation in Washington. Image from Google Maps
The Washington Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the validity of tribal gasoline tax compacts. The Automotive United Trades Organization claimed the agreements are illegal because they require the state to share tax revenues with tribes in the form of refunds. The court, in a unanimous decision, said the deal does not violate state law. "Plainly, the legislature contemplated that the governor would have something to offer the tribes in return for their agreement to purchase tax burdened fuel and to accept the limitations on their use of refunds," Justice Steven C. González wrote for the court. Tribes with gas compacts earn 75 percent of the tax revenues. Over the last eight years, they received $193 million in refunds, according to AUTO. Turtle Talk has posted documents from the case, Automotive United Trades Organization v. State of Washington. Get the Story:
State Supreme Court upholds deal on tribal gas stations (AP 8/27) Washington Supreme Court Decision:
Automotive United Trades Organization v. State of Washington (August 27, 2014)
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