Non-Indian retailers in court over Washington gas compacts

Friday, January 13, 2012  

The Washington Supreme Court heard arguments on Thursday in Automotive United Trades Organization v. State.

The Automotive United Trades Organization represents non-Indian gas stations. The group claims the gas compacts, in which tribes share a portion of revenues with the state, are unfair and unconstitutional.

A judge dismissed the lawsuit because the tribes weren't named as parties. The Supreme Court agreed to hear an appeal but the merits aren't at issue at this point in the litigation.

Under the compacts, the tribes receive a 75 percent refund of gasoline taxes they collect. That amounted to about $30 million in 2011.

Get the Story:
State's gas-tax refunds to tribes under fire (The Seattle Times 1/13)

Related Stories:
Washington Supreme Court to hear suit over tribal gas compact (9/19)
Column: Tribal gas tax compacts due for review in Washington (9/14)