The plan to charge motorists driving into parts of Manhattan is being challenged in multiple courts.

A series of legal challenges could derail New York City’s long-awaited congestion pricing plan, which is scheduled to begin on January 5, report Chris Dolmetsch and Michelle Kaske in Bloomberg CityLab.
According to CityLab, “On Friday in Manhattan, US District Judge Lewis J. Liman heard requests from plaintiffs in four different lawsuits to put the program on hold while the litigation proceeds. Liman didn’t immediately rule, but indicated he’s aware of the time constraints and will decide as soon as possible.” Other judges are issuing decisions that allege the plan will unfairly force people with limited public transit options to avoid driving and that it unfairly targets New Jersey residents.
“The MTA will need to seek new funding if congestion pricing fails to take effect. The transit provider plans to issue $15 billion of bonds secured by the new toll revenue to pay for extending the Second Avenue subway to Harlem, updating train signals and adding elevators to stations.”
FULL STORY: New York’s Congestion Pricing Plan Still Faces Legal Hurdles

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

Updating LA’s Tree Rules Could Bring More Shade to Underserved Neighborhoods
A new USC study finds that relaxing Los Angeles’ outdated tree planting guidelines could significantly expand urban tree canopy and reduce shade disparities in lower-income neighborhoods, though infrastructure investments are also needed.

California's Canal Solar Projects Aim to Conserve Resources and Expand Clean Energy
California’s Project Nexus has begun generating electricity from solar panels installed over irrigation canals, with researchers and state agencies exploring statewide expansion to conserve water and boost clean energy production.

HHS Staff Cuts Gut Energy Assistance Program
The full staff of a federal program that distributes heating and cooling assistance for low-income families was laid off, jeopardizing the program’s operations.
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