(BAYONNE) – Assemblyman John F. McKeon, chair of the Assembly Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement Wednesday after the committee’s hearing in Bayonne on the proposed $225 million settlement between the Christie administration and Exxon Mobil Corp. for the environmental damage caused by Exxon’s refinery operations in Bayonne and Linden:
“Any matter that impacts our environment is one that affects everyone in New Jersey, and so it’s only right that transparency is paramount throughout this process,” said McKeon (D-Essex/Morris).
“Today’s hearing afforded the people the opportunity to voice their opinions, and the outrage over both the damage done and the unfathomably inadequate repercussions outlined in the settlement was clear. There’s no question that Exxon is responsible for the contamination of New Jersey’s environment, and this company owes taxpayers the full extent of compensation required not only to clean up the mess it made but also to restore the damaged areas.
“The men and women of New Jersey know a raw deal when they see one, as has been evidenced by their engagement and activism related to this lawsuit. As we approach the end of the public comment period, I remain confident that justice will prevail.”
