Murphy encourages businesses to leave NYC amid congestion pricing battle
Summary:
- New Jersey is suing the federal government over the approved congestion pricing program, citing concerns about air quality in Bergen County.
- Governor Murphy is offering tax credits and grants to businesses to establish satellite offices in New Jersey as a response to the tolling plan.
- Murphy's lawsuit against federal agencies and his efforts to fight congestion pricing have divided constituents, with some advocating for mass transit investments instead.
- The MTA is moving forward with congestion pricing, and the Traffic Mobility Review Board will propose initial toll rates soon, while exemptions and discounts are expected for certain New Jersey commuters.
The battle over congestion pricing between New York and New Jersey is intensifying, with New Jersey suing the federal government after the program received final approval. The lawsuit alleges that the environmental impact study by the Federal Highway Administration failed to consider how toll-avoiding drivers would impact air quality in Bergen County, leading to health concerns for communities. In response to the tolling plan, New Jersey Governor Murphy is taking action to retain businesses in his state, offering tax credits and grants to companies to establish satellite offices there.
New Jersey's fight against congestion pricing takes multiple forms. Governor Murphy signed bills to ensure that New Jersey taxpayer dollars remain within the state's jurisdiction. He aims to protect New Jerseyans from the implications of the MTA's tolling system, which will charge fees for entering Manhattan's Central Business District below 60th Street. The Governor hopes that by incentivizing companies to open offices in New Jersey, he can prevent constituents from commuting to New York City altogether. As part of the strategy to challenge congestion pricing, Governor Murphy has also filed a lawsuit against two federal agencies, alleging that they improperly approved the tolling plan without sufficient environmental impact studies. While the MTA denies the validity of the lawsuit, it has sparked debates among constituents, with some advocating for mass transit investments to fight the climate crisis instead. The MTA continues to progress with its plans for congestion pricing, and the Traffic Mobility Review Board is expected to propose initial toll rates in the coming month. As the tolling system nears implementation, 122 groups and individuals are requesting toll exemptions, and some discounts are expected for New Jersey commuters using specific tunnels.
Despite the ongoing legal and political battles, the fate of congestion pricing remains uncertain. New Jersey's efforts to entice businesses to set up shop in the state could reshape regional dynamics if successful, impacting both New York City and New Jersey's economies.