Kiles Korner, a gas station on the Yakama Nation in Washington. Image from Google Maps
The Washington Supreme Court heard arguments this morning in a lawsuit that challenges the tribal gasoline compact. The Automotive United Trades Organization claims the agreement is illegal because it requires the state to share tax revenues with tribes. The group's lawsuit was dismissed at an earlier stage but the state Supreme Court in 2012 ruled that it could proceed without the involvement of tribes. When it returned to a lower court, the lawsuit was again dismissed. The group then filed a direct appeal with the state's high court. Tribes with gas compacts earn 75 percent of the tax revenues. Over the last eight years, they received $193 million, according to the group The case is Automotive United Trades Organization v. Washington, No. 89734-4. Get the Story:
Supreme Court to consider legality of gas-tax payments to tribes (The Bellingham Herald 5/12)
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