What Congestion Pricing Proved — Julie Tighe, the Accidental Environmentalist

DESCRIPTIONTwo weeks before Earth Day, Juan Manuel Benítez sits down with Julie Tighe, president of the New York League of Conservation Voters. They take stock of what's being dismantled in Washington — clean air and water rules, offshore wind projects, the bedrock "endangerment finding" for climate policy — and what's worth fighting for at the state and local level. Tighe breaks down the stalled New York state budget fight over the CLCPA, makes the case for cap and invest, and defends congestion pricing as the rare policy win that changed minds once people felt the results. She also shares how she became an "accidental environmentalist," what she's reading, and where New Yorkers should go to remember why any of this matters.📚 What Julie is reading:The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran DesaiState of Wonder by Ann PatchettRightful Heritage: Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Land of America by Douglas Brinkley🎙️ Podcast Julie listens to every week: The Daily (New York Times). And yes — she was a loyal listener of Off Topic On Politics with Juan Manuel, Grace Rauh, and Zack Fink.🏔️ Three places in New York State Julie says every New Yorker should visit:Adirondack Park — Bigger than the six largest national parks combined. Lake George is the gateway; the 46 High Peaks are the challenge.The Catskills — Closer to the city, and full of reward. North-South Lake, Hunter and Tannersville, and Catskill Falls are worth the drive (stay on the trail).Minnewaska State Park — For hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and swimming. Julie competed there in high school. It holds up.