TRENTON, N.J. (AP) _ Gov. Chris Christie has vetoed a bill that would have required the state to put the majority of its money a much-criticized proposed settlement with Exxon Mobil toward environmental cleanups.

The state earlier this year struck a $225 million deal with the oil company over pollution around refineries in Linden and Bayonne.

Christie was proposing $50 million go toward cleanups and the rest to help balance the state’s budget.

Democrats who control the Legislature passed a bill requiring half of the money beyond the first $50 million in any natural resources settlement go toward cleanups.

Christie vetoed it Monday, saying those decisions should be made each year through the budgeting process.