Groups seeks to appeal ExxonMobil settlement

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Environmental advocacy groups have requested permission from a New Jersey Superior Court judge to appeal his approval of a $225 million pollution case settlement between the state and ExxonMobil Corp.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports the groups argue that the state disregarded its responsibility by settling for far less than the $8.9 billion sought at trial last year.

An attorney representing the Sierra Club and Clean Water Action told Judge Michael Hogan recently the groups want to ensure New Jersey and its citizens are adequately compensated for ExxonMobil’s contamination of sites across the state.

Hogan previously denied the special interest groups’ request to intervene during settlement proceedings.