Congestion pricing pause halts NYC air pollution projects

New York City’s pause on congestion pricing endangers over $100 million in projects aimed at reducing air pollution in low-income neighborhoods.

Stephen Nessen reports for Gothamist.

In short:

Governor Kathy Hochul paused the congestion pricing program, jeopardizing funding for air quality projects in the Bronx and other areas.
Planned projects included asthma treatment centers, air filtration systems in schools, and electric charging infrastructure for trucks.
The move undermines efforts to mitigate higher emissions in vulnerable communities affected by increased truck traffic.

Key quote:

"The money has disappeared, but what will not disappear are the air pollution rates, the asthma rates, the greenhouse gas emissions.”

— Ritchie Torres, U.S. Representative

Why this matters:

Low-income neighborhoods in NYC have long suffered from disproportionate exposure to air pollutants, leading to higher rates of asthma and other respiratory illnesses. The congestion pricing initiative was seen as a crucial step in addressing environmental injustices and promoting public health.

gothamist.com

Congestion pricing pause halts NYC air pollution projects

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