January 23rd, 2024
(NEW YORK, NY) - Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), along with a bipartisan group of lawmakers representing the outer boroughs of New York City at the city and state levels, wrote to President Trump urging him to explore legal options to reverse New York City's Congestion Pricing scheme that was implemented by the state with approval from the Biden Administration’s Federal Highway Administration without an Environmental Impact Statement which is required by federal law. The lawmakers argue that the program, created by a law passed by the New York State Legislature, is the first in the nation congestion pricing program and warrants further study on the economic and environmental impact it has on the city and surrounding communities.
"Many of our constituents will not benefit from the alleged transportation system improvements as promised, and they do not feel safe riding the mass transit after reports of rising crime including stabbings, shootings, and a woman horrifically set fire on the subway, leaving them little choice but to drive to Manhattan," the lawmakers wrote. "This program will especially hurt our first responders, hospital personnel, and restaurant workers who work odd hours and shifts."
Manhattan restaurants are already feeling the negative impacts of Congestion Pricing, with many noting that food costs are rising while the amount of diners coming into the Central Business District are down. Some restaurants are also serving up discounts for drivers if they show a license and E-Z pass receipt.
The lawmakers added: "We stand ready to work with your Administration and request that you direct your Department of Transportation to explore reversing the Biden Administration’s approval of this first in the nation program, which was done without so much as an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) as required by National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)...Requiring an EIS will ensure the full impact of this congestion tax can be thoroughly assessed, particularly how redirected traffic and pollution will affect the quality of life in the neighborhoods we represent." back...
"Many of our constituents will not benefit from the alleged transportation system improvements as promised, and they do not feel safe riding the mass transit after reports of rising crime including stabbings, shootings, and a woman horrifically set fire on the subway, leaving them little choice but to drive to Manhattan," the lawmakers wrote. "This program will especially hurt our first responders, hospital personnel, and restaurant workers who work odd hours and shifts."
Manhattan restaurants are already feeling the negative impacts of Congestion Pricing, with many noting that food costs are rising while the amount of diners coming into the Central Business District are down. Some restaurants are also serving up discounts for drivers if they show a license and E-Z pass receipt.
The lawmakers added: "We stand ready to work with your Administration and request that you direct your Department of Transportation to explore reversing the Biden Administration’s approval of this first in the nation program, which was done without so much as an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) as required by National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)...Requiring an EIS will ensure the full impact of this congestion tax can be thoroughly assessed, particularly how redirected traffic and pollution will affect the quality of life in the neighborhoods we represent." back...
