Radio: Non-Indian gas stations win ruling in tribal compact suit

Friday, August 31, 2012  

"Gas station owners in Washington have won the right to proceed with a lawsuit against the state. They’re challenging the policy of gas tax refunds to Native American tribes who operate their own gas stations. Olympia Correspondent Austin Jenkins has more on the implications.

Non-tribal gas station owners in Washington are on edge. They’ve witnessed a sharp growth in the number of tribally-owned gas stations in the state. There are now more than 50. Like this one near the Little Creek Casino in Mason County.

Tom Thorogood of British Columbia says he fuels up here because it’s close to the casino. But he figures there’s a bit of savings to be had too.'

Get the Story:
Wash. Supreme Court Ruling Clears Way For Lawsuit Over Tribal Gas Stations (Northwest Public Radio 8/31)

Also Today:
Washington state high court OKs gas tax challenge (AP 8/30)

Washington Supreme Court Decision:
Auto. United Trades Org v. Washington [Opinion] | Dissent (August 30, 2012)

Related Stories:
Gasoline taxation lawsuit to proceed without tribal involvement (8/30)
Non-Indian retailers in court over Washington gas compacts (1/13)
Washington Supreme Court to hear suit over tribal gas compact (9/19)
Column: Tribal gas tax compacts due for review in Washington (9/14)