Lawmaker Sees Opening for Appeal of $225M Exxon Ruling

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — A New Jersey lawmaker says a judge's concern over delayed cleanup at a polluted creek could provide a route to appeal a decision to approve a $225 million deal between the state and ExxonMobil over pollution at dozens of sites and nearly 2,000 retail gas stations.

Democratic state Sen. Raymond Lesniak says he believes Superior Court Judge Michael Hogan's concerns could provide an opportunity to try and get more money for New Jersey and start the cleanup of Morses Creek, which provides cooling water for refinery operations.

The agreement calls for delaying remediation at the site until refinery operations cease. Hogan, who approved the pollution settlement, says the deferment gave the court pause "though not fatally."

The deal has been criticized by environmental groups and Democrats who control the state Legislature.

(Story by: Michael Catalini, Josh Cornfield, The Associated Press)