(TargetLiberty.org) – On Friday, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) announced that his administration was suing the Biden administration over their approval of New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) plan that would reduce traffic congestion.
Murphy pointed out in the lawsuit that named as the defendants the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and the Department of Transportation (DOT), their agreement with this plan marked a violation of environmental laws. The plan was authorized by the FHWA in May, and according to the new plan, commuters would be charged a higher fee in order to drive into Manhattan. This higher fee is meant to help improve the air quality in the city while also reducing traffic congestion.
In his statement, Murphy pointed out that they had not completed a full environmental review of the new tolling program, and that they had fast-tracked the plan just because they wanted to increase the money generated from the new plan, without considering the effect this plan would have on New Jersey Families.
As he pointed out, the MTA was trying to use New Jersey residents in a way that allowed them to completely balance their budget sheets. This as he points out is something the MTA has also stated, as they have noted they are trying to divert traffic and pollute other areas, including the more vulnerable communities in New Jersey. The plan is going to reduce air quality in the area and does not include any compensation for the dangers and harms it will cause.
In May, following the federal approval of the plan, Murphy pointed out that the plan was in violation of the environmental justice agenda followed by President Biden.
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