Federal Court Rules That Trump Administration’s Attempt to End Congestion Pricing Is Unlawful

NEW YORK - Today, the United States District Court-Southern District of New York rejected the Trump administration's attempt to wipe out New York City's proven-successful Congestion Pricing program. Represented by Earthjustice, Riders Alliance and Sierra Club filed a lawsuit joining the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's (MTA) as interveners on March 4, 2025. Today's decision awards summary judgment to the MTA and to Riders Alliance and Sierra Club as Intervenors, rejecting the Trump administration's effort to have Riders Alliance's and Sierra Club's claims dismissed.

"This a huge win for New Yorkers and for our democracy," said Dror Ladin, Senior Attorney at Earthjustice. "President Trump declared himself a king and decreed that congestion pricing was dead. But the court confirmed today that Trump has no power to override the democratic process that brought us Congestion Pricing. It remains very much alive, and is delivering great results for our air, our streets, our public transit, and our climate."

The lawsuit responded to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy's attempt to rescind prior federal approval. U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman has already ruled the federal government cannot withhold transportation funds while the case proceeds.

"New Yorkers have the right to improve the environment where they live while making much-needed improvements to the city's public transportation system. We commend the Court's decision, which upheld this tenet and characterized the decision making of the Department of Transportation as "arbitrary and capricious," said Sierra Club New York City Group Transportation Chair Wayne Arden. "After fourteen months of operation, it's clear that congestion pricing is succeeding: traffic is moving faster, vehicle pollution is down, and the added revenue is allowing the MTA to make essential improvements to the transit system."

Despite criticism from President Donald Trump, who has called the toll "a disaster for New York," Congestion Pricing continues to prove the opposite: cleaner air, faster travel, stronger transit, and a thriving business district. See more details.

About the Sierra Club

The Sierra Club is America's largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit https://www.sierraclub.org.