Ensuring Congestion Pricing Remains Defeated

It is good news that Governor Hochul has decided to indefinitely postpone congestion pricing, especially for those of us who have been opposing it since it was adopted by the Legislature in 2019.

We have taken various actions such as introducing legislation at the local and federal levels, filing lawsuits, holding press conferences, and writing op-eds to raise awareness that congestion pricing is essentially a money-making scheme in the fight against cars.

Congestion pricing not only unfairly impacts working-class New Yorkers, costing them thousands of dollars annually for their commute, medical appointments, or leisure activities, but it is also being implemented at a difficult time for New York City as it continues to recover from the effects of COVID on Broadway, restaurants, and businesses.

Furthermore, studies have shown that congestion pricing will not reduce traffic or pollution, but simply push it to areas outside the designated zone, particularly affecting minority neighborhoods in the outer boroughs of the city.

Governor Hochul’s decision to delay congestion pricing is a response to significant political pressure and public opposition, with 65% of New York City residents (nearly 80% in my district) across all political affiliations opposing the measure.

This delay also comes in light of multiple lawsuits, including one in which I am a plaintiff along with other local officials and the United Federation of Teachers. We filed the lawsuit because the Biden administration approved congestion pricing without requiring an Environmental Impact Statement as mandated by the National Environmental Policy Act. The inadequate studies conducted indicated that congestion pricing would disproportionately impact minority communities in areas like The Bronx and Staten Island’s North Shore.

It would have caused more problems for Democrats if a judge had issued a restraining order before the June 30 launch date.

While this is a victory for New York residents, businesses, cultural institutions, and tourists, the battle is not over yet.

The governor’s decision is driven by political considerations and concerns about Democrats’ prospects in the upcoming House races.

For my fellow New Yorkers, take this as a warning – if Democrats win on Nov. 5, congestion pricing could be back on Nov. 6.

Republican Rep. Nicole Malliotakis represents Staten Island and southern Brooklyn.