Donald Trump’s administration is reportedly considering putting a stop to New York City’s three-week-old congestion pricing program, which aims to curb emissions from auto vehicles.
The program received crucial federal approval from the Biden administration last year. Trump’s transportation department is weighing the possibility of pulling that authorization, the New York Times reported, which would probably incite a legal battle between state and federal officials and could put a stop to the program.
The hard-won initiative levies a $9 fee on those who drive into Manhattan below 60th Street, with funds collected used to improve public transit. It went into effect earlier this month following an array of legal challenges, as well as an 11th-hour suspension by the New York governor, Kathy Hochul, which she later reversed.
The Trump administration has not made a final decision on congestion pricing. In two conversations with Trump this week, Hochul has defended the program as a success, according to the Times.
In their most recent conversation on Thursday morning, Hochul cited data showing congestion pricing is working, CBS News reported. The president said he would not take any action to stop the program without speaking with her first; the two made a plan to talk next week.
The president, a native New Yorker, had pledged to kill the program once he entered the White House, claiming it would take a toll on the city’s economy.
“I will TERMINATE Congestion Pricing in my FIRST WEEK back in Office!!!” Trump wrote in a May social media post.
New Jersey’s Democratic governor called on Trump on Monday to re-examine the congestion pricing program after his state lost a legal attempt to block it.
The reports of the potential halt of congestion pricing have sparked ire from environmental advocates.
“Donald Trump couldn’t be further out of touch with a typical commuter. Working New Yorkers have just begun enjoying the benefits of congestion pricing – less traffic and pollution, cleaner air,” said Ben Jealous, executive director of the green group Sierra Club. “The program is working, and New York City should be proud of its leadership in addressing its notable congestion with an effective policy that invests the money into its subway.”
