Group in Washington continues to criticize tribal gas tax deals

Friday, April 25, 2014  

The Automotive United Trades Organization released a report that questioned how tribes are using gasoline tax revenues.

Tribes with gas compacts earn 75 percent of the tax revenues. Over the last eight years, they have received $193 million, the group said.

The amount is expected to grow to $533 million by the end of this decade. But the group says there is now way to verify whether tribes are spending the money on roads and infrastructure.

The group is suing the state to challenge the compacts. A 2012 ruling allowed the case to proceed without the involvement of tribes but it was dismissed on remand.

The Washington Supreme Court is expected to rule on the matter in early 2015, according to the group.

Get the Story:
Report: Tribal tax givebacks could total $533 million by 2020 (KOMO 4/23)

Editorial: Yakama Nation reaches sensible agreement on gas tax (12/03)
Opinion: Tribal sovereign immunity just doesn't make any sense (09/03)
Radio: Non-Indian gas stations win ruling in tribal compact suit (8/31)
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)