It's now up to a judge whether environmental groups and a Democratic state senator can appeal the possible approval of a $225 million settlement between New Jersey and ExxonMobil.
Superior Court Judge Michael Hogan in Mount Holly on Friday heard roughly two hours of testimony from a coalition of seven environmental groups and state Sen. Raymond Lesniak as well as rebuttals from the state and ExxonMobil.
Hogan said he will rule Monday or Tuesday on whether they can intervene in the 11-year-old case.
The state and ExxonMobil say intervention could complicate and prolong the case.
The groups and Lesniak say the inclusion of 16 facilities as well as up to 1,700 retail gasoline stations warrants further public scrutiny.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
