Politics & Government
Exxon to Pay $236M for NH Pollution
Below is the statement issued by NH Attorney General following verdict in Exxon Mobil trial.
ExxonMobil this week was ordered to pay a huge settlement for contaminating water in New Hampshire.
The fuel giant, which has two gas stations in Exeter, must pay $236 million after state prosecutors said it illegally added MTBE to its gasoline. The chemical was banned in New Hampshire in 2007 after it was classified by the federal Environmental Protection Agency as a possible carcinogen.
A jury on Tuesday ruled in favor of state prosecutors who filed legal action against the company.
Find out what's happening in Exeterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"Exxon was aware of the risks of manufacturing MTBE gasoline, but went ahead and added MtBE to New Hampshire’s gasoline,” said Attorney General Michael Delaney.
The money will go to clean-up costs. The company sold over 2.7 million gallons of MtBE gas—representing one-third of the state's gas market, Delaney said.
Find out what's happening in Exeterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
An ExxonMobil lawyer said jurors were prevented from hearing evidence, "(depriving) us of a fair trial," the Associated Press reported.
The company claimed it used MTBA to comply with clean air standards.
ExxonMobil is currently handling a pipeline spill in an Arkansas neighborhood.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
