New York's congestion pricing delay highlights American transportation challenges

New York City's plan to implement congestion pricing, a strategy to reduce traffic and fund public transit, remains stalled years after approval.

Sarah Laskow reports for The Atlantic.


In short:

  • New York City approved congestion pricing five years ago to curb traffic and lower emissions in Manhattan.
  • The plan aimed to charge vehicles entering Manhattan's central business district to discourage unnecessary driving.
  • Despite potential environmental and traffic benefits, the plan has faced significant delays and has not yet been implemented.

Why this matters:

Congestion pricing could significantly reduce traffic and pollution in densely populated areas, offering a model for other cities. Each year of delay means more cars on the road, more emissions, and missed opportunities to make significant strides toward a greener, more efficient transportation system.

Woman in business suit with a protective mask over her face

The EPA's data on cancer risk from air pollution has gone dark

For decades, communities have relied on the agency's cancer risk estimates to hold polluters accountable. This year, it's missing.
Puerto Rico's coastline with buildings that are ruins in the distance

With Puerto Rico’s water crisis, climate change meets ineptitude

Puerto Rico's ongoing water crisis made national headlines last week, as many were left without water for days, and now the majority of the island is facing drought conditions.

Two men on a roof with overalls on installing a solar panel

‘The real challenge starts after sundown’: Europe’s heatwave boosted solar by up to 17% on hot days

A surge in solar power has helped meet heightened power demand from Europe’s blistering heatwaves, according to a new analysis.
White government building with large decorative pillars

What to know about the Supreme Court’s major climate case this fall

The decision could set a significant precedent for states and cities trying to hold fossil fuel companies accountable for climate impacts.
Wildland fire fighter, silhouetted  against flame-orange backdrop, training hose on wildfire.

Federal job cuts are making wildfires harder to fight

The Trump administration pushed out thousands of veteran U.S. Forest Service staff. An ‘extraordinary’ fire season is testing those who are left.
A Black woman putting her voting record into a box at a polling station

In Arizona, the thermostat is driving voters to the polls

Record heat, two rate hikes and a data center boom have turned utility bills — not climate — into the state’s most volatile issue.
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.