A settlement over refinery pollution has resulted in a significant payout. The Bay Area Air District announced that $40 million will be distributed, with $30 million going to a city and $10 million to a local school district. This payment comes from penalties imposed on the Valero refinery, which exceeded emissions standards for over 10 years.

The refinery in question is no longer operating, having shut down in April. The Air District's decision to reinvest fines directly into affected communities is a first.

Further details on this settlement and its impact are available from the source, including a full report in a video.