"BP has agreed to pay a record $50 million fine to Texas for unlawful releases of air pollution during and after the deadly explosion at its Texas City refinery in 2005."

"Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott said Thursday the settlement resolves all state claims against the oil giant over emissions at the troubled refinery. The fine is the largest for Texas Clean Air Act violations at a single facility.

"This sends a strong, clear message ... that you don't mess with Texas air quality," Abbott said at a Houston news conference.

Under the settlement, BP does not acknowledge liability. The company, which put the refinery up for sale in February, settled to avoid the uncertainty of future litigation."

Matthew Tresaugue reports for the Houston Chronicle November 3, 2011. [2]