We are deeply disappointed that the final days of the legislative session descended into a battle to rescue congestion pricing after Governor Hochul paused the program just weeks before it was set to begin. We are firmly committed to seeing congestion pricing implemented and we salute the courage of our state representatives for standing up and saying no to the governor’s attempt to bailout this misguided decision.
If we are serious about implementing the CLCPA and demonstrating climate leadership we need to pass legislation to tackle emissions from transportation and advance the careful planning and actions needed to transition off fossil fuels.
To that end, we were pleased that the Senate, for the second year in a row, passed a Clean Fuel Standard, the Just Energy Transition Act, and the NY HEAT Act, as well as the Packaging Reduction & Recycling Infrastructure Act. Unfortunately, also for the second year in a row, the Assembly failed to pass any of them.
We urge the Assembly to make these bills a priority should there be a special session.
The 2024 session was not without bright spots. We were thrilled to see the Senate and Assembly pass the Suffolk County Water Restoration Act, an NYLCV Scorecard bill which empowers county residents to address a decades-long water crisis.
The other NYLCV Scorecard bills passed by both chambers were:
- Electric Vehicle Charging In Public Lots
- NY Wildlife Crossing Act
- Expansion of the Food Donation and Scraps Program
- NYC Green Roof Tax Abatement
We thank Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins for her leadership, as well as Environmental Conservation Committee Chairs Senator Pete Harckham and Assemblymember Deborah Glick for their tireless efforts throughout the legislative session. We look forward to working with them and the entire legislature as we fight to keep congestion pricing on track and make New York State a healthier, more sustainable place to live and do business.