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.
