NJ ExxonMobil Intervention Denied

A judge has denied environmental groups' and a Democratic state senator's attempt to intervene in New Jersey's proposed $225 million settlement with ExxonMobil.

Superior Court Judge Michael Hogan said Monday in a ruling the groups did not adequately show that the state Department of Environmental Protection failed to represent their interests.

The groups and state Senator Raymond Lesniak sought to become a party to the 11-year-old suit because they wanted an opportunity to appeal in the event the court approves the settlement later this month. They argue the state settled for too little after arguing for an $8.9 billion settlement.

Hogan was also unpersuaded by Lesniak's case. Hogan writes allowing a lawmaker to intervene if a matter affects her district would set a precedent without any limit.