One day after a new congestion pricing plan was passed by the MTA, there’s a renewed effort from New Jersey officials to stop it before it starts on Jan. 5.

Officials held a news conference at the base of the George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee.

Fort Lee officials say that people are worried that all the trucks and cars that don’t want to pay the $9 congestion pricing fee, will start to use the George Washington Bridge to get into New York City. They say that could mean traffic backups into the borough and even more air pollution for those who live there.

Fort Lee Mayor Sokolich says he expects traffic to jump 20% to 25%, as is projected, with congestion pricing.

"We are going to be at a complete standstill. Our ambulances aren’t going to get where they need to be, our police won’t get where they need to go,” says Sokolich.

Fort Lee filed a lawsuit in 2023 to stop congestion pricing, arguing traffic will bring more cancer-causing toxins to their air.

RELATED: NJ leaders vow to stop congestion pricing from returning

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul did pause congestion pricing, saying it was too expensive for families. But she brought it back at a cheaper price of $9 compared to $15 for anyone driving below 60th Street in Manhattan.

“I guess New York suddenly stopped caring about those budgets they were breaking of nurses and restaurant workers, taxi drivers and police behind me," said. Rep. Josh Gottheimer. "New York’s attempt to whack Jersey families and their own families with another tax is completely absurd."

Gottheimer is calling on the Department of Transportation to study this new plan before it takes effect. He's also asking Congress to pass a bill preventing any new grants to the MTA until New Jersey drivers are exempt from congestion pricing.

Officials also want the fee stopped on charter bus companies which, unlike commuter buses, will have to pay the fee.

Pattie Cowley is with the Greater Northeast Motor Coach Association.

“Not only do our members reduce traffic congestion on our roads and highways by taking cars off the street, but we are also lessening our carbon footprint,” Cowley says.

The MTA says congestion pricing is needed to pay for new subway cars, elevators, electric buses and reduce pollution and traffic.