Texas finalized a $12.6 million settlement with TPC Group for environmental violations tied to the 2019 Port Neches explosions, mandating repairs, penalties, and stricter safety measures to prevent future disasters.
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The state of Texas and TPC Group have agreed to pay $12.6 million to fix environmental problems caused by the 2019 explosions at TPC Group's Port Neches chemical plant. Attorney General Ken Paxton announced the deal on Friday.
The deal says that TPC Group has to fix or replace broken equipment and pay fines for releasing too many pollutants. Over 50,000 people had to leave their homes because of the explosions right before Thanksgiving. They released more than 11 million pounds of dangerous chemicals, which damaged property worth $130 million and raised health worries for many people.
In 2020, Texas sued TPC, saying that the company knew it was working in dangerous conditions and kept breaking emissions laws. The settlement is a big step toward holding the company responsible and making sure that tighter safety rules are put in place at the site.
Sara Cronin, vice president of TPC Group, said that the settlement was part of the company's pledge to doing the right thing and being a good citizen. But the company has been facing more and more legal problems. In August, it was fined $150 million for violating the Clean Air Act, and in May, it pleaded guilty to those violations.
Attorney General Paxton stressed how important it is for businesses to be accountable. He said, "This should be a warning to all industries: be safe and responsible, or face the consequences."
The deal shows that Texas is serious about following environmental rules and stopping future disasters. TPC Group's operations will still be closely watched.
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