Texas state 'to sue BP'

The state of Texas is suing BP over the 2005 explosion at its refinery which killed 15 workers from the state.

State officials claim the oil giant violated its Air Quality Act and released "unnecessary and unlawful emissions" into the environment, the Associated Press reports.

In a statement, attorney general Greg Abbott, said BP was charged with "polluting our
environment, concealing information from authorities and harming Texans".

More than 45 unlawful emissions are said to have come from the BP Texas City facility in recent years, he added.

BP spokesman Ronnie Chappell said the company was keen to resolve the situation and address any concerns the state may have.

A series of upgrades have already been made to the refinery which, according to BP, should cut the number of "emissions events" taking place at the facility.

One of the world's larges energy companies, BP is currently has refineries in 17 countries.

Written by Claire Manning