Environmental groups predict more appeals in Exxon case

Environmental groups say they plan to pursue further appeals of New Jersey’s $225 million settlement with Exxon Mobil even if a judge denies their effort to intervene in the case.

Superior Court Judge Michael Hogan could rule as soon as Friday on a motion to intervene in the suit.

The environmental groups want to intervene in the case to force extensive cleanup efforts at the affected sites, which include two oil refineries in northern New Jersey and retail gas stations, and to recoup more money for the state. They also say the public was inadequately compensated in the deal.

The Christie administration says the deal is historic and Exxon Mobil must still clean up the contaminated sites across the state, including two oil refineries in northern New Jersey.