Federal Highway Administration Validates Environmental and Traffic Benefits; Congestion Pricing Essential Beyond Transportation Upgrades
Environmental Leaders and Transit Advocates Urge Governor Hochul to Reverse the Pause and Immediately Implement Congestion Pricing Plan
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has confirmed that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) Congestion Pricing Initiative, which was set to begin on June 30th, will significantly benefit the environment and reduce traffic congestion by 17%. This significant reduction in traffic volume would lead to improved air quality not just in New York City, but across the entire region, benefiting 10 counties in New York State and two in New Jersey.
Despite this strong endorsement, Governor Hochul’s controversial decision to pause the congestion pricing plan has derailed its imminent implementation. This pause comes at a time when New York City has been grappling with poor air quality exacerbated by high heat and elevated pollution levels, driven by tailpipe emissions. NYC has seen a dozen days of poor air quality following the federal endorsement.
In a comprehensive re-evaluation report, the FHWA verified that the finalized Congestion Pricing Plan will not negatively impact the environment, but will instead offer numerous significant benefits. The report, issued on Friday, June 14, supports and in some cases enhances the conclusions of the original Environmental Assessment. The re-evaluation confirms that the plan will reduce vehicle traffic by 17% and truck volume by 55% in the region’s busiest area, which will improve air quality throughout the entire region, including decreases in volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and greenhouse gas emissions across 12 counties in New York and New Jersey.
The Congestion Pricing Program aims to reduce the number of vehicles entering Manhattan’s central business district during peak hours. This reduction is expected to significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents.
Despite Governor Hochul’s pledge to replace the funding that would be generated by Congestion Pricing, the program’s implementation is crucial not only for upgrading transportation infrastructure but also for addressing broader environmental concerns in New York City and the surrounding areas.
Key Facts about Congestion Pricing:
- Health Benefits: Congestion pricing is projected to reduce traffic-related pollution by up to 10%, significantly improving public health.
- Environmental Impact: Transportation accounts for nearly 30% of New York State’s greenhouse gas emissions. Congestion pricing is expected to cut vehicle emissions in the congestion zone by 20%, contributing to the state’s climate goals.
- Accessibility: Less than 30% of subway stations are accessible for people with disabilities. The MTA is counting on congestion pricing to fund the desperately needed accessibility improvements promised in the capital plan.
- Successful Case Studies: In London, congestion pricing has reduced traffic delays by 30% and cut carbon dioxide emissions by 15%. Singapore’s system has reduced traffic by 45%, and Stockholm has seen a 20% decrease in traffic and a 50% reduction in asthma attacks among children after implementation.
“New Yorkers deserve a healthier, more sustainable city,” said Julie Tighe, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters. “The FHWA’s endorsement amplifies our mission to cut traffic congestion and tackle the urgent environmental issues worsened by the extreme heat. We cannot drive our way out of the climate crisis, and Governor Hochul now has every reason to greenlight this essential program immediately.”
“The FHWA’s strong endorsement of the MTA Congestion Pricing Initiative underscores the transformative environmental benefits at stake. This policy promises to slash vehicle traffic and emissions, leading to cleaner air and healthier communities across New York City and the entire region. Governor Hochul’s pause on this vital program is a setback we cannot afford. It’s time to greenlight congestion pricing and drive forward our commitment to a sustainable, livable future for all New Yorkers. Let’s turn this moment into a milestone for environmental progress,” said Vanessa Fajans-Turner, Executive Director of Environmental Advocates NY.
“The Governor’s delay in implementation of congestion pricing is disrupting plans for public transit improvements that would benefit millions of New Yorkers. The replacement of ancient subway signals, investments in accessible stations, modernization and safety undertakings, and purchasing electric bus fleets are among the projects already being shelved,” said Eric A. Goldstein, Senior Attorney and New York City Environment Director at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council). “The FHWA’s latest report shows the many benefits that congestion pricing would bring to New Yorkers, including reduced emissions of harmful pollution – further evidence that the program must move forward.”
“New York City suffers from the world’s worst traffic congestion, which further exacerbates transportation emissions—the City’s second largest source of emissions after buildings,” said Roger Downs, Conservation Director, Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter. “London, Milan, Singapore, and Stockholm have implemented congestion pricing and have greatly benefited from lower emissions, increased funding for mass transit, and fewer traffic accidents and resulting injuries. The Governor does not have the power to cancel congestion pricing and our legal duty to address the enormity of the climate crisis requires restoration of the congestion pricing program without delay.”
“The dire consequences of Governor Hochul’s congestion pricing pause grow by the day,” said Lisa Daglian, Executive Director of PCAC, the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA. “Instead of celebrating over a month of cleaner air, safer streets, and better transit, millions of people in New York and New Jersey are gasping for breath, putting up with more delays and historic levels of congestion. It’s past time for Governor Hochul to flip the switch, follow the law, and unpause the pause.”