During the 2008 Legislative Session, legislation was introduced which would have eliminated the un-refunded gasoline tax as defined in M.S. 296A. 18, Sud, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 attributable to off-highway motorized activities. These recreational activities include off-highway motorcycles (OHM), all-terrain vehicles (ATV), off-road vehicles (ORV), snowmobiles and watercraft. This legislation would have cost dearly in our efforts to build a sustainable trail riding system in Minnesota. Hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans have enjoyed these recreational activities for decades and continue to enjoy them today! Passage of this provision would have drastically reduced the ability of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to aid in the work of making these recreational activities available to all Minnesotans, as well as visitors to our great state.

Similar gas tax refunds from the Highway Trust Fund are distributed for gasoline use in airplanes, farm equipment, forest road travel and others.

The MN Constitution requires the gas tax collected from fuel used on public roads be returned to the Highway User Tax Distribution Fund. Gas tax revenues collected for non-highway consumption is redistributed from this fund to the off-highway accounts in the Natural Resources Fund based upon a gas use formula as determined by comprehensive studies ratified by the legislature.

DNR estimated a decrease of funding of up to $20.5 million annually by 2011. This loss of funding would have a significant impact on the DNR, effecting every decision, and also the ability to match federal funds that become available.

Below is a break down of funds collected by the un-refunded gas tax.

Revenue changes if legislation were to become law.
Revenue projections are from the MN Department of Transportation.

The funds distributed to the Natural Resources Fund are used for enforcement, trail maintenance and development, fighting the spread of invasive species, strengthening public boat access to lakes, as well as a host of other important activities that the DNR and their recreational partners do to manage responsible recreation in our great state.

With new legislators in place, we must get activated and reach out to our local legislators in an effort to educate them on what the un-refunded gas tax program is about. You are encouraged to share this information with your legislators. Every legislator who is educated on this issue before the start of the 2009 legislative session will help to make our lobbyists job easier to defeat this damaging legislation.

For more information contact Jonathan Bohn at 651-815-1196 or bohn.jonathan@gmail.com