ElectrifyNY Statement: NY Gov Hochul Stay on Course

In a statement yesterday, Governor Kathy Hochul said, “Congestion Pricing has been a once-in-a-lifetime success story.” Overcoming exaggerated claims by critics that the program would be too costly, the Governor’s evolution on Congestion Pricing has helped defend a program that slashes toxic air pollution, reduces gridlock, and generates critical investments for a faster, safer, and upgraded mass transit system.

Rather than learn from these lessons and build on its remarkable success, the Governor is now inexplicably proposing to undermine New York’s nation-leading Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA or climate law) by using deliberately exaggerated cost estimates.

As NYSERDA has long acknowledged, “converting to ZEVs isn’t just good for the environment – it also reduces the total cost of vehicle ownership through lower fuel and vehicle maintenance costs.” Most importantly, it will save lives. But realizing an affordable, pollution-free transportation system requires courage, not backtracking. 

We urge the Legislature to reject these bad-faith arguments from corporate interests and build on our proven success. Investments in clean energy and climate action are investments in affordability and a safer, healthier, and just future for our communities.

ElectrifyNY is a statewide coalition of advocates for environmental justice, public transportation, social justice, and good jobs fighting for a clean, equitable electric transportation future for New York. Our work aims to improve the environment and public health outcomes for the communities most affected by the negative impacts of the transportation sector’s dependency on fossil fuels.