Congestion pricing is an essential policy tool designed to reduce traffic congestion and lower greenhouse gas emissions in urban areas. By charging drivers a fee to enter or operate in high-traffic zones, cities can incentivize the use of public transportation, reduce the number of vehicles on the road, and subsequently improve air quality. New York City's implementation of congestion pricing is a pioneering effort in the United States to address these issues. The City Club of New York has always been a pioneer of this issue. In 1973, the City Club of New York issued what may have been the first report on the issue. Titled Manhattan Auto Study, A plan for reshaping motor vehicle use in the central business district, it made policy recommendations to reduce vehicular congestion. 

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Connection to the Paris Agreement

The Paris Agreement is an international treaty aimed at combating climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, with efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees Celsius. As part of this global effort, the United States has committed to several ambitious targets:

1. 50-52% Reduction by 2030: The U.S. aims to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 50-52% below 2005 levels by 2030.

2. Net-Zero Emissions by 2050: Achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions no later than 2050.

3. 100% Carbon Pollution-Free Electricity by 2035: Generating all electricity from carbon-free sources by 2035.

 

Congestion pricing directly contributes to these targets by:

• Reducing Emissions: Fewer vehicles on the road means lower carbon emissions, helping to meet the reduction targets set for 2030 and 2050.

• Encouraging Public Transit: By making driving more expensive, congestion pricing encourages the use of public transportation, which is typically less carbon-intensive.

• Improving Air Quality: Less traffic results in lower emissions of pollutants, contributing to better air quality and public health.

 

Critical Infrastructure and Funding

The revenue generated from congestion pricing is crucial for funding major public transit projects. For example, the next phase of the Second Avenue Subway in New York City relies heavily on the implementation of congestion pricing. Federal grants for such projects are often contingent on the city's ability to demonstrate it can provide its own share of the funding, which congestion pricing facilitates.

 

Legal Action

The City Club of New York has filed a lawsuit against the Governor of New York to push for the implementation of congestion pricing. Our legal team, led by Andrew Celli and Richard Emery, is fighting to ensure that this vital policy is put into place without further delay. The lawsuit argues, “This case is about democracy and executive overreach.” Comptroller Brad Lander also supports this stance, stating, “The Governor [...]  violated several state laws.” READ OUR LAWSUIT.

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Implementing congestion pricing is not just about managing traffic; it is a pivotal strategy in the broader fight against climate change. By aligning local actions with international commitments under the Paris Agreement, cities like New York can lead the way in creating a sustainable, resilient, and equitable future.  Read our full statement here.​

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