SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A Texas-based oil refining company has agreed to pay New Mexico $444,000 in penalties to settle emissions violations at its plant near Gallup.

The New Mexico Environment Department announced the settlement with Western Refining of El Paso this week.

The department claims the company violated state air pollution standards by allowing excess sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and other pollutants to be emitted at the Ciniza refinery.

The violations took place between July 2009 and March 2012.

The settlement also calls for Western Refining to make upgrades and infrastructure improvements at the plant over the next several years.

State officials say the improvements are expected to permanently reduce emissions.

Western also operates a refinery in El Paso and has retail service stations and convenience stores in New Mexico, Texas, Arizona and Colorado.

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