Blue state sues Biden admin over climate plan to reduce traffic

Federally approved New York congestion plan is 'nothing more than a shakedown and must be defeated,' Democratic Sen Bob Menendez said

Thomas Catenacci / Fox News

 

Democratic New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy on Friday announced that his administration has filed a lawsuit against the federal government over its approval of a New York plan to reduce traffic congestion.

Murphy said New Jersey filed the lawsuit against the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and accused the federal agencies of violating environmental laws. In May, the FHWA authorized a plan from New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to charge commuters an increased fee to enter Manhattan in an effort to reduce congestion and improve the city's air quality.

"After refusing to conduct a full environmental review of the MTA’s poorly designed tolling program, the FHWA has unlawfully fast-tracked the agency’s attempt to line its own coffers at the expense of New Jersey families," Murphy said Friday in a statement. "The costs of standing idly by while the MTA uses New Jersey residents to help balance its budget sheets are more than economic." Read more and see video here.