ExxonMobil to Begin Defense in NH Pollution Trial

By: Associated Press Email

Updated: Mon 7:33 AM, Mar 04, 2013

ExxonMobil's lawyers are set to begin presenting their defense in New Hampshire's suit for damages for groundwater contamination from a gasoline additive.

Attorneys for the state rested its case last month after six weeks of testimony from 13 witnesses and a string of videotaped depositions.

The state filed a products liability lawsuit in 2003 against 26 petroleum companies, alleging they failed to warn of the dangers of the additive MTBE. The other 25 defendants settled.

Lawyers for ExxonMobil contend MTBE did what it was supposed to: reduce air pollution.

The first defense witness is expected to be an ExxonMobil environmental specialist who warned of the additive's hazards in the 1980s.

Former Department of Environmental Services Commissioner Robert Varney testified he was shocked the findings were never shared with the state.

Controversial Billboard Put Up to Catch Attention of Local Leaders

We ask that the following Community Standards be followed:

Comments must not be profane or vulgar.

Comments must not use hate speech, racial slurs, or violent descriptions.

We encourage varying views to be shared. We do ask commenters to not personally attack other readers, groups, people featured in our stories, or other posters for disagreeing with their views.

Comments must not contain negative, comparative debates between community standards of cities or towns.

Comments must contribute to the discussion, flaming and/or trolling will not be tolerated.

Comments must be truthful and not intentionally falsified. Providing a source link is encouraged.

If you find that a comment violates the above rules, please use the flagging option located to the right of the comment to notify the moderators.
For a complete list of guidelines, please follow this link:
http://www.kbtx.com/home/misc/Online-Commenting-Policy-181579421.html

Highlights

Trending on KBTX.com

Most Discussed

JobSearch Recent Listings

The following list shows the 5 most recent jobs posted on JobSearch on KBTX.com

AP Video

Reason to Smile

Click here to view more pictures!
Click Here to Submit Your Pictures

Upload your photo, with a caption of your reason to smile, then watch the last half hour of BVTM from 6:30A - 7A Monday mornings to see if your photo makes it.