It Could Be Lights Out For New York Dems’ Climate Toll Scheme In Manhattan

The Trump administration is thinking about blocking Democrats’ traffic congestion tax scheme in New York City, The New York Times reported Thursday, citing two anonymous sources familiar with the matter.

Department of Transportation (DOT) officials are reportedly considering pulling back a Biden administration-issued authorization for New York to implement “congestion pricing” in Manhattan, a policy designed to raise revenues while also decreasing traffic and lowering emissions, according to the NYT. If the Trump administration were to follow through and revoke the authorization, a legal battle between the federal government and New York state would likely begin, a development that could essentially end the policy in the first few months of its existence.

Opponents of “congestion pricing” — including Democratic New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy — have slammed the scheme as one that will excessively burden working and middle-class commuters who drive into Manhattan for their jobs. Under the new policy, which went into effect on Jan. 5, drivers of most vehicles have to pay $9 to drive into Manhattan south of 60th street. The price of the toll may vary depending on the time of day and the kind of vehicle being driven.

President Donald Trump has reportedly spoken with New York Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul on two occasions this week; Hochul reportedly told Trump she believes the program is showing early indications of success, and Trump allegedly told her that he will contact her again next week before any major decisions are made on the issue, according to the NYT.

“Congestion pricing” was initially set to be implemented in June 2024, approximately five years after state lawmakers greenlit the plan, but Hochul delayed implementation because she reportedly feared that initiating the policy so close to the 2024 elections could have hurt Democrats. Hochul then initiated the program on Nov. 14, 2024, nine days after Election Day.

Similar programs exist in cities including London and Stockholm, though the Manhattan “congestion pricing” program represents the first policy of its kind in the U.S., according to the NYT.

The DOT and Hochul’s office did not respond immediately to requests for comment.