Washington Supreme Court guts state carbon cap program

SEATTLE (AP) — The Washington Supreme Court has reinstated a rule designed to cap carbon pollution in the state — but it has drastically limited its application.

In a 5-4 decision Thursday, the court said Gov. Jay Inslee's rule cannot apply to companies that sell or distribute petroleum or natural gas because they don't make their own emissions.

The Clean Air Rule had been struck down by a lower court judge after it was challenged by business groups. The four justices in the minority would have reinstated the rule in its entirety.