Weber Times

Congressman Blake Moore has introduced the Sporting Goods Excise Tax Modernization Act, aiming to close a tax loophole affecting wildlife conservation funding. This legislation proposes shifting the responsibility for federal excise taxes on imported sportfishing and archery equipment from consumers to U.S. online marketplaces.

The bill, co-sponsored by Congressmen Jimmy Panetta, August Pfluger, Mike Thompson, Greg Murphy, M.D., and Troy Carter, seeks to address revenue loss in state-led conservation programs. Congressman Moore stated that the act will ensure fair contribution to conservation funds: “When purchasing outdoor equipment, sportsmen and women fund conservation programs that help states manage land and water resources.”

Existing acts like the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act and Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act rely heavily on these excise taxes. However, current policies allow some online purchases from foreign sellers to bypass these taxes. A Government Accountability Office report recommended making U.S. online marketplaces responsible for collecting these taxes.

Congressman Panetta emphasized the importance of modernizing tax systems: “Outdated tax policies have created an unfair loophole that shortchanges conservation efforts.” Congressman Pfluger echoed this sentiment: “This bipartisan, commonsense legislation will close that loophole by holding U.S. online marketplaces accountable.”

The act has received support from over 50 organizations including the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation and National Wildlife Federation. Riley Peck from Utah's Department of Natural Resources highlighted its significance: “Keeping those habitats healthy requires us to make every dollar count.”

Industry leaders also back the initiative due to its potential impact on fair competition among manufacturers. Jeffrey Poole of Archery Trade Association remarked on closing the pricing advantage foreign companies hold over U.S.-based ones.

The bill aims not only at protecting existing funding but also ensuring future generations can enjoy natural resources across America.