Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

From time to time, we may be involved in litigation and claims arising out of our operations in the normal course of business. Additionally, we have elected a $1 million threshold to disclose certain proceedings arising under federal, state or local environmental laws when a governmental authority is a party to the proceedings. During the fourth quarter of 2024, two new matters arose, and there were material developments with respect to two matters previously reported, that resolved those matters, which are all described below. Except as otherwise set forth herein, we do not currently believe that the eventual outcome of any matters previously reported, but still unresolved, individually or in the aggregate, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Further, our U.S. refineries are implementing two separate consent decrees, regarding alleged violations of the Federal Clean Air Act, with the EPA, five states and one local air pollution agency. Some of the requirements and limitations contained in the decrees provide for stipulated penalties for violations. Stipulated penalties under the decrees are not automatic, but must be requested by one of the agency signatories. As part of periodic reports under the decrees or other reports required by permits or regulations, we occasionally report matters that could be subject to a request for stipulated penalties. If a specific request for stipulated penalties meeting the reporting threshold set forth in SEC rules is made pursuant to these decrees based on a given reported exceedance, we will separately report that matter and the amount of the proposed penalty.

New Matters

In December 2024, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) offered to settle 172 notices of alleged violations of air regulations by the Rodeo Complex dating back to 2016. Settlement negotiations are underway, and resolution is expected in 2025.

In November 2024, Phillips 66 Company received an indictment from a federal grand jury in the United States District Court for the Central District of California alleging two counts of negligently violating the Clean Water Act and four counts of knowingly violating the Clean Water Act at its Los Angeles Refinery. If convicted of all charges, Phillips 66 would face a statutory maximum fine exceeding $1 million. The matter relates to alleged wastewater permit violations and is ongoing.

Matters Previously Reported (unresolved or resolved since the quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2024)

As described further in the “Legal Proceedings” section of Note 17—Contingencies and Commitments, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, on February 17, 2022, Propel Fuels, Inc. (Propel Fuels) filed a lawsuit in the Superior Court of California, County of Alameda (the Propel Court), alleging that Phillips 66 Company misappropriated trade secrets related to Propel Fuels’ renewable fuels business. On October 16, 2024, a jury returned a verdict against Phillips 66 Company for $604.9 million in compensatory damages and issued a willfulness finding. In 2025, the Propel Court is expected to rule on motions anticipated to be filed by Propel Fuels seeking exemplary damages and attorneys’ fees. Propel Fuels has asked the Propel Court to grant treble damages and Phillips 66 Company has filed a brief in opposition to that request. Also in 2025, the Propel Court is expected to rule on Phillips 66 Company’s motions for a judgment in its favor as a matter of law, or in the alternative to reduce the jury’s verdict or to grant a new trial. Phillips 66 Company denies any wrongdoing and intends to vigorously defend its position. While Phillips 66 Company believes the jury verdict is not legally or factually supported and intends to pursue post-judgment remedies and file an appeal, there can be no assurances that such defense efforts will be successful. To the extent Phillips 66 Company is required to pay exemplary damages, it may have a material adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations.

On August 30, 2024, the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, Air Pollution Control Division (APCD) sent DCP Operating Company, LP (DCP) a Compliance Order on Consent alleging violations at its Enterprise Compressor Station of AQCC Regulation 7 and DCP’s permit conditions. This matter was resolved in the fourth quarter of 2024 with an agreement to pay a penalty and an economic benefit reimbursement totaling less than $1 million.

On May 12, 2023, the EPA, Region 6, sent DCP a Notice of Violation and Opportunity to Confer regarding alleged violations of 40 C.F.R. Part 60, Subpart OOOOa (NOV). The NOV alleged non-compliances at the Artesia and Eunice Natural Gas Processing Plants in New Mexico. This matter was resolved in the fourth quarter of 2024 with an agreement to implement scheduled corrective actions and pay a penalty of $1.9 million.

Dakota Access, LLC (Dakota Access) and Energy Transfer Crude Oil Company, LLC (ETCO)

See “Dakota Access, LLC (Dakota Access) and Energy Transfer Crude Oil Company, LLC (ETCO)” section of Note 9—Investments, Loans and Long-Term Receivables and Note 17—Contingencies and Commitments, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding Legal Proceedings and other regulatory actions.