HOUSTON CHRONICLE -- Shell Oil Co. has agreed to reduce harmful emissions at its Deer Park refinery as part of an agreement with environmentalists who said in an unusual citizens' suit that the company failed to comply with federal laws on controlling pollution. Under the settlement filed Thursday, the Houston-based arm of oil giant Royal Dutch Shell would upgrade the plant to reduce emissions known as "upsets," which occur during equipment malfunctions and other unforeseen events. The company would pay fines if it fails to meet annual caps for emissions.

Labels: oil, politics, pollution