Environmentalists, senator appeal to intervene in Exxon case

Environmental groups and a New Jersey senator have appealed a judge's ruling that they can't intervene in the state's $225 million settlement with Exxon Mobil over contaminated gas stations and other sites.

The New Jersey Sierra Club, Clean Water Action, Environment New Jersey, the Delaware Riverkeeper Network and state Sen. Raymond Lesniak filed their appeals last week.

Superior Court Judge Michael Hogan said Oct. 9 that he denied their request because they didn't have standing to bring the lawsuit. It's the second time Hogan has denied their petition in a case that stretches back to 2004.

Hogan approved the settlement in August after a 66-day trial and a 60-day public comment period, saying it was a reasonable compromise considering the substantial legal risks the state faced.

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