Federal Judge Lewis Liman issued a temporary restraining order barring the Transportation Department “purporting to terminate” the congestion pricing program.
Liman, a Trump appointee, also barred the department from taking actions laid out in an April letter to punish New York for not eliminating the program.
The letter threatens to withhold funds and hold up federal project approvals if the program continues.
“Defendants are enjoined from withholding federal funds, approvals, or authorizations from New York State or local agencies,” the order states.
The congestion pricing program institutes a $9 toll on cars entering lower Manhattan. Proponents of the idea say it will reduce both traffic and pollution, while opponents raise concerns about the cost to commuters.
A spokesperson for the Department of Transportation noted the judge’s ruling doesn’t necessarily mean the administration will lose its case, but said it will comply with the order while it’s in place.
Read more at TheHill.com.
