Advocates Applaud News of Cleaner Air Thanks to Congestion Pricing

This week, a study by Cornell University and NPJ Clean Air revealed that in the first six months of implementation of New York’s Congestion Pricing program, toxic air pollution dropped a significant 22% in the Congestion Relief . The benefits of the policy extend far beyond its boundaries, with the study showing that air pollution declined across the five boroughs and surrounding suburbs as well.

The magnitude of this reduction exceeds what has been achieved in other cities that have implemented the policy, like London and Stockholm.

In January 2025, NYC implemented the first-in-the-nation Congestion Pricing Program, designed to reduce traffic and improve air quality while raising funds for public transportation improvements. Early data showed major reductions in traffic and rush hour delays, fewer crashes and noise complaints, and increased economic activity.

As Gov. Hochul stated in July, the program is on track to raise the targeted $500 million this year, allowing the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to advance critical capital improvements to mass transit on its subway, bus, Long Island Rail Road, and Metro-North Railroad systems. These capital improvements include investments in zero emission transit buses, further improving air quality.

This year, the NYS Senate passed an equally important air quality improvement policy, the Clean Deliveries Act (S1180B), which would reduce toxic air pollution associated with the increase in mega-warehouses and e-commerce deliveries by requiring warehouse operators to gradually reduce emissions from their operations. The policy offers flexibility to invest in zero emission vehicles or take other steps to reduce air pollution from warehouse operations. According to a report by the Environmental Defense Fund, nearly five times more warehouse-generated diesel truck trips are estimated to have occurred over the last decade, compared to the prior decade, due to the warehouse boom. Impacts of air pollution from these facilities disproportionately impact state-defined disadvantaged communities, which cover 8% of New York but contain 50% of the mega-warehouses.

The following statement is attributable to Kevin Garcia, Senior Transportation Planner w, on behalf of the Electrify NY coalition:

“As the federal government denies science and rolls back basic public health protections, New Yorkers can breathe easier thanks to the success of our groundbreaking Congestion Pricing Program. But the work is not over and more must be done to finally deliver clean air to New Yorkers. The Clean Deliveries Act, passed by NYS Senate, would reign in toxic air pollution from increased diesel truck traffic due to the boom of e-commerce mega-warehouse operations, provide relief for disadvantaged communities, and help us meet our climate mandates. We urge lawmakers to build on the success of congestion pricing by prioritizing the passage of this critical bill in the upcoming 2026 session.”

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.