Exxon reportedly settles $9 billion case for $250 million
Exxon Mobil Corporation and the state of New Jersey have reportedly settled a legal fight over the cleanup of former industrial sites in Bayonne and Linden, contaminated for decades, according to a published report.
The battle to wrangle $8.9 billion in damages from Exxon Mobil Corporation for the pollution and loss of use of more than 1,500 acres of wetlands, marshes, meadows and waters in those two cities has been quietly settled for around $250 million, according to The New York Times.
The lawsuits, filed by the state’s Department of Environmental Protection 11 years ago, had been pursued by four New Jersey administrations. The litigation eventually advanced to trial last year. How much Exxon was liable for was no longer the issue; how much it would pay in damages was, according to the Times story.
One month ago, a State Superior Court judge was believed to be close to a decision on damages, but the administration twice petitioned the court to wait on a ruling because settlement talks were under way, the Times reported on Feb. 27. On Feb. 20, the state is said to have informed the judge that an agreement had been reached.
The two sides have not announced the settlement publicly, and the deal must still be approved by the judge. The paperwork referencing the pact has not been filed publicly, and was obtained by the Times.
The damage to the Bayonne and Linden “Bayway” sites dates back at least several decades, and possibly into the early 1900s, according to the story.
Diabetes Foundation to honor CarePoint Health nurse
Bayonne resident Maureen Williams, a certified diabetes educator and registered nurse with CarePoint Health, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Diabetes Foundation at its annual awards dinner on April 30 at the Parsippany Hilton.
Williams has more than 40 years of experience as a healthcare professional. She became interested in diabetes education when her 8-year-old son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 36 years ago.
She works for CarePoint Health teaching patients at Bayonne Medical Center, Christ Hospital, and Hoboken University Medical Center, where “I enjoy going to work every day and making a difference in people’s lives.”
“This award is given to an individual who demonstrates a lifetime of contribution to the practice of diabetes with a commitment to professionalism, leadership and service,” said Roberta Schmidt, Diabetes Foundation executive director.
Diabetes affects nearly one million people in New Jersey. It’s a disease that can lead to heart disease, kidney failure, blindness and stroke, and is the third leading cause of death by disease in the United States.
For more information on the dinner, contact the foundation at (201) 444-0337, or visit diabetesfoundationinc.org.
Daniel Herrera forms political action committee
Daniel Herrera, former candidate for city council, has launched a political action committee, HerreraPAC, which he said is dedicated to helping elect conservatives to office around the country.
“We aim to keep a close relationship with individuals, parties, candidates, and potential candidates who have political experience or want to become active,” Herrera said. “We want to establish longterm networks to not only impact one election, but also future congressional, senate, and presidential elections.”
According to the group’s website, HerreraPAC has given its first endorsement to Russell Taub, a candidate who has established an exploratory committee for a congressional race in Rhode Island.
For more information, visit www.herrerapac.com or email contact@herrerapac.com.
Child advocate group holding informational session
Hudson County CASA (court appointed special advocate) is recruiting volunteers to advance the best interests of abused and neglected children.
An informational session, addressing the program and the role of its volunteers, will be held on Tuesday, March 10, from 6 to 7 p.m. in Room 901 of the Hudson County Administration Building, 595 Newark Ave., Jersey City.
For more information, call (201) 795-9855, e-mail mgarcia@hudsoncountycasa.org or visit www.hudsoncountycasa.org.