New York City congestion pricing that is set to take effect on June 30 may not take effect as planned now that Governor Kathy Hochul is having second thoughts about the plan to raise millions more for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

State Senator James Skoufis (D, Cornwall), who is a party to one of the lawsuits opposing the $15 per day surcharge on motorists, was glad to learn the plan is on indefinite hold.

Skoufis is joined as a plaintiff in the lawsuit by State Senator Rob Rolison (R, Poughkeepsie).

“Whatever the motive that brought us to this time, this particular moment in 2024 to advance this proposal is really inconsequential to me. All I care about is getting this done,” he said. “Whatever the path was that brought the governor or anyone else to the point where they are now expressing concerns and looking to hit a pause button on congestion pricing, I welcome that," Skoufis said.

The state legislature adjourns for the year on Friday, so any action would have to occur rapidly.

Should congestion pricing be delayed, state officials have suggested replacing it with an increase on business taxes impacting only New York City companies.

Skoufis, and other Mid-Hudson lawmakers, have expressed concern that congestion pricing would hit area commuters hard in the pocketbook.

Rockland County Executive Ed Day, meanwhile, said the governor “should not just pause this plan but eliminate it entirely. If not, we will continue our legal fight, alongside my colleagues in government, on behalf of families we serve who do not deserve another unnecessary tax.”

“Since day one, I’ve fought alongside countless Hudson Valley families against this unfair, uninformed, and unacceptable congestion pricing plan. Today, I’m proud to say we’ve stopped congestion pricing in its tracks,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “Now it's time to get to work on a plan that actually makes sense for the entire state, not just New York City, including commitments to significant service additions and meaningful discounts for public servants. I’ll continue to stand up to anyone, regardless of party, who tries to rip off hard-working Hudson Valley families.”