Trump Tried to Kill NYC Climate Traffic Plan — Failed

A federal judge has just delivered a major win for clean air, climate action, and common-sense transportation—by rejecting the Trump administration’s attempt to kill New York City’s congestion pricing program in Manhattan.

The ruling makes clear that the federal government cannot simply sabotage climate solutions because polluters and political allies don’t like them.

Congestion pricing is one of the most effective tools cities have to reduce traffic, cut pollution, and invest in public transit. Drivers entering the most crowded parts of a city—like Manhattan’s busy core—pay a modest fee, which discourages unnecessary car trips while generating billions of dollars to improve subways, buses, and rail systems. 

Cities around the world have successfully adopted similar policies. In Stockholm, for example, congestion pricing cut traffic by about 20% and significantly reduced air pollution and climate-warming emissions, while encouraging more people to use public transportation. By reducing the number of cars on the road—and the stop-and-go traffic that wastes fuel—congestion pricing helps slash climate pollution from transportation, the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, while making cities cleaner, healthier, and easier to get around.

That’s exactly why the Trump administration tried to shut down the program.

For decades, the fossil fuel industry and its political allies have fought policies that reduce driving and cut oil consumption. Congestion pricing does exactly that. Discouraging unnecessary car trips and strengthening public transit helps reduce the climate pollution that is fueling extreme heat, wildfires, floods, and other climate disasters.

Transportation is the largest source of climate pollution in the United States. Traffic congestion doesn’t just waste time—it pumps carbon pollution, soot, and toxic fumes into the air that families breathe every day.

Communities living near busy highways and major roadways—often low-income neighborhoods and communities of color—pay the highest price through higher asthma rates, heart disease, and other serious health problems.

New York refused to back down, and now the courts have confirmed that the Trump administration’s attempt to derail this climate solution was unlawful.

But New York shouldn’t stand alone.

Major cities across the country—from Los Angeles to Chicago to Seattle to Washington, D.C.—face the same problems: endless traffic, dangerous air pollution, and rising transportation-related climate emissions.

Congestion pricing is a proven solution that works in cities around the world.

Now that New York has defended it against political attacks, it’s time for other cities to step up.

Sign the petition: Applaud the court for rejecting the Trump administration’s attack on congestion pricing—and urge cities across America to adopt this climate-smart solution.

The petition to major U.S. city leaders reads: Follow New York City’s lead by exploring and implementing congestion pricing policies that reduce traffic, cut climate pollution, and fund modern public transportation. Our communities deserve cleaner air, safer streets, and real climate solutions—not endless gridlock and pollution. Take action now to bring congestion pricing and climate-smart transportation policies to your city.

Sources:

https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/5765300-trump-administration-congestion-pricing-ruling/

https://www.nrdc.org/stories/what-is-congestion-pricing

https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2024/07/heres-what-canceling-congestion-pricing-in-new-york-city-means-for-climate-change/