Staten Island Reporter

Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis and Congressman Josh Gottheimer have introduced bipartisan legislation to prevent the implementation of congestion pricing in New York City. The program, which would charge commuters up to $15 to enter Manhattan south of 60th Street, has faced strong opposition from the lawmakers.

Malliotakis expressed her concerns about the congestion pricing plan, labeling it as a "cash grab" that would burden commuters and worsen traffic in outer boroughs, leading to increased pollution, particularly in minority communities. She emphasized the need to unite on city, state, and federal levels to combat the implementation of the program, stating, "The MTA's war on cars is bankrupting commuters, and we will continue to use every legal and legislative tool we have to stop it."

Gottheimer echoed Malliotakis' sentiments, highlighting the negative impact of the congestion tax on hardworking families, small businesses, and commuters from New Jersey and New York. He referred to the MTA's congestion tax as a "shameless cash grab" that would result in more traffic, pollution, and financial difficulties for families in the region.

The legislators' efforts come after the MTA approved congestion pricing with an 11-1 vote, paving the way for a $15 toll for most commuters entering Manhattan south of 60th Street starting in June 2024. Malliotakis had previously worked to include language in a federal appropriations bill to block funding for congestion pricing, but the provision was removed during negotiations with Senator Chuck Schumer.

Malliotakis, a founding member of the bipartisan Anti-Congestion Tax Caucus, has introduced various pieces of legislation aimed at halting congestion pricing, including the Make Transportation Authorities Accountable and Transparent Act and the Economic Impact of Tolling Act. Additionally, she is involved in a federal lawsuit against the MTA, alleging violations of federal environmental law in the implementation of congestion pricing without proper studies.

The joint effort by Malliotakis and Gottheimer reflects a strong pushback against the congestion pricing program in New York City, with the lawmakers advocating for the protection of commuters and the environment from the potential consequences of the policy.