The Big Story 

A judge has temporarily halted a Trump administration effort to kill New York City’s congestion pricing program, which imposes a significant toll on cars entering part of Manhattan.

© Getty

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.

Welcome to The Hill’s Energy & Environment newsletter, I’m Rachel Frazin — keeping you up to speed on the policies impacting everything from oil and gas to new supply chains.

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