BP to Pay State of Texas Fine for Illegal Emissions Stemming from Texas City Refinery Explosion

British Petroleum’s, BP Products division, will pay the State of Texas $50 million dollars for allowing the illegal emissions of pollutants during, and after, the explosion of a Texas City refinery. The explosion happened in March of 2005 and BP was charged with violating Texas environmental protection laws in June of 2009.

The 2005 Texas City BP Refinery Explosion killed 15 and injured more than 170 workers at the refinery.

“The proposed agreement resolves the State’s enforcement actions against BP Products for unlawful pollutant emissions at its Texas City refinery,” Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott said. “The Texas Attorney General’s Office is committed to protecting our State’s precious natural resources by enforcing environmental pollution laws. The proposed agreement reflects the State’s commitment to protecting air quality and holding polluters accountable for illegal emissions.”

The Attorney General states that BP has been responsible for 72 separate and unlawful pollutant emissions since the explosion.