Hochul on Pausing NYC Congestion Pricing: ‘My Commitment to Public Transportation Is Second to None’

EXCERPT:

HOCHUL: "Well, since I’ve been governor, no one can question my commitment to doing whatever we can in our power to stop emissions, to reduce greenhouse emissions everywhere. I am bringing clean hydroelectric power down from Canada, I'm bringing wind and solar in from the Hudson Valley. We are bringing in offshore wind. So, we are converting our whole grid to clean energy, which is so important. But also, it is what are we doing for our residents, our citizens? We are hearing their cries for relief. Putting up an additional cost of $15 at this moment when people are going to the grocery stores and they are shocked how much less they can buy with the same amount of money week after week, we received word in New York City their water rates are going up, their rent stabilization board just went up. So how much can we do in state government to relieve the burden and the pain that our citizens are feeling? We cannot be tone-deaf to them at this time. But my commitment to public transportation is second to none. I orchestrated the bailout of DMT last year. We will get these project done, and there’s other ways to mitigate congestion, but not right now on the backs of hard-working New Yorkers who are just taking it on the chin."