Let’s make sure congestion pricing stays dead

Gov. Hochul’s announcement that she has indefinitely postponed congestion pricing is welcome news, particularly for those of us who have been fighting it since the Legislature adopted it in 2019.

We have introduced legislation at the local and federal levels, launched lawsuits, held press conferences, and written op-eds to let people know that congestion pricing is nothing more than a cash grab in a war on cars.

Not only is congestion pricing a tax that would hit working-class New Yorkers the most — costing them thousands of dollars annually to commute to work, go to doctors’ appointments, or simply for recreation — it’s also the worst possible time to be implementing this extra cost as Broadway, restaurants, and businesses in New York City continue the recovery process from COVID.

Additionally, the few studies conducted show that congestion pricing will not eliminate traffic or reduce pollution but will simply shift it to areas outside of the zone, particularly mostly minority neighborhoods in the outer boroughs of New York City.

Make no mistake, the Governor’s delay is in response to the enormous political pressure, scrutiny from The New York Post, and undeniable public polling showing that congestion pricing is opposed by 65% of New York City residents (nearly 80% of residents in my district) of all political stripes.

It’s also in response to the multiple lawsuits they are facing, including the one I’m a plaintiff in along with other local elected officials and the United Federation of Teachers.

We sued because the Biden administration rubberstamped congestion pricing without requiring the MTA to conduct an Environmental Impact Statement as required by the National Environmental Policy Act and the insufficient studies they conducted shows that congestion pricing would shift pollution and traffic to minority communities in the outer boroughs like The Bronx and Staten Island’s North Shore.

It would have caused the Democrats even more grief if a judge issued a restraining order prior to the June 30 launch date.

This is a major victory for New York’s residents, businesses, cultural institutions and tourists but we have not yet won the war.

The governor has made it clear that she is being motivated by politics and concern over Democrats ability to win House races in this year’s election.

Consider this a warning for my fellow New Yorkers — if Democrats win on Nov. 5, congestion pricing will return on Nov. 6.

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