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Judge Lewis J. Liman struck down several arguments in various lawsuits seeking to undo the New York City tolling program. Though weakened, the court cases continue.
April 17, 2025, 5:20 p.m. ET
The federal judge who could decide the fate of congestion pricing dismissed on Thursday a number of arguments in lawsuits seeking to stop the toll, a move likely to strengthen New York State’s defense of the program in its fight against the Trump administration.
The judge, Lewis J. Liman of Federal District Court in Manhattan, who had previously denied requests to halt the January start of congestion pricing, rejected more arguments from opponents of the program in an exhaustive, 98-page decision.
The opponents, including two coalitions of New York City residents, an influential teachers’ union and a trucking association, contend that the plan was not properly vetted, that it is unfair to drivers and that some communities could see more traffic as motorists avoid the tolls, among other complaints.
The decision bodes well for the state. Judge Liman is also presiding over a related congestion pricing case between the federal government and the toll operator, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. That case promises to be the most consequential of all the lawsuits under review.
The ruling on Thursday could mean the federal government will have a narrower legal path in its efforts to block the toll, said Justin Backal Balik, a former city transportation official and a vice president at Evergreen Action, an environmental advocacy group.
“What we’re seeing in this ruling is further evidence of what we already knew to be true, which is that New York followed the law and the process,” said Mr. Balik, a supporter of congestion pricing.
