A new congestion pricing programme for New York has been largely given the go ahead by the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, paving the way for its introduction on 5 January.
The Environmental Defense Fund, which is among the groups that campaigned for the introduction of the programme, said that it will ‘reduce traffic and provide cleaner, healthier air for millions of people in New York and New Jersey’, as well as fund public transport improvements.
While the court’s decision was largely favourable, it also called for additional analysis regarding some of the program’s mitigation components and alternatives.
‘Vital programme’
“We’re happy to see that today’s court decision recognises that, and that the New York Metropolitan Transit Authority has announced this vital programme will begin without delay,” said Fred Krupp, president of the Environmental Defense Fund. “EDF is fully committed to working with all stakeholders to address ongoing mitigation.”
The latest ruling follows on from the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York announcing its support for the program’s environmental assessment last June. That court found the assessment legally sound and noted the program’s inclusion of vital mitigation measures.
Collective voice
Along with the Environmental Defense Fund, other groups to campaign for the introduction of the measure included the New York League of Conservation Voters, Tri-State Transportation Campaign, Riders Alliance, Real Estate Board of New York, New York Lawyers for the Public Interest, WE ACT for Environmental Justice, StreetsPAC, and Transportation Alternatives.
Last year, these groups collectively submitted an amicus brief that highlighted the significance of congestion pricing as a tool to reduce harmful emissions and promote sustainability in urban transportation.
The Environmental Defense Fund links representatives in science, economics, law, and innovative private-sector partnerships, and works in 28 countries around the world. It boasts offices in the United States, China, Mexico, Indonesia and the European Union. Read more here.
