PRESS RELEASE

July 16, 2007

PlaNYC & CONGESTION PRICING

Environmental Advocates of New York has reviewed several versions of proposed legislation that would implement key elements of PlaNYC—New York City’s multifaceted plan to make the city more livable and sustainable by 2030.

It is our understanding that on July 16, 2007, the New York State Senate may take up S.6420 – Rules, for a floor vote.

Part A of this proposed legislation would authorize the City of New York to develop and implement a plan to address traffic congestion within a certain zone in Manhattan. The bill sets statutory limits on the size of congestion pricing fees and would allow for certain fee exemptions. A new commission, made up of 12 appointees, would review the City’s plan to implement congestion pricing, make recommendations, and submit these recommendations for a Legislative vote by December 31, 2007. Part B of the proposed legislation would implement a demonstration program to better enforce bus lane restrictions in certain traffic corridors.

Environmental Advocates of New York believes that congestion pricing would result in better overall air quality for the people of the State of New York. While this proposal leaves the details of implementing the program to a later date, the bill would not exempt this program from the State Environmental Quality Review Act, a significant flaw of previous proposals. However, the proposed legislation would benefit from language requiring that the detailed congestion pricing plan, accompanying environmental analysis, and other relevant documents be made available for public review on the City’s website.

Environmental Advocates applauds the City of New York for its efforts and will continue to monitor developments related to this set of proposals. We will issue a formal memo of support or opposition when both houses of the New York State Legislature introduce legislation for consideration.

For more information contact: David Gahl, Air & Energy Program Director, Environmental Advocates of New York, (518) 462-5526.
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Environmental Advocates of New York is the state’s government watchdog, holding lawmakers and agencies accountable for implementing policy that protects natural resources and safeguards public health. Environmental Advocates works alone and in coalitions, and has more than 7,000 individual and 130 organizational members. The 501(c)(3) is also the New York affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. For more information call 518.462.5526 or visit www.eany.org.