The Green Behind the Green Movement

So, how much of Mike Bloomberg’s personal fortune is behind the pro-congestion pricing efforts, which so far have included a spree of print ads, television commercials, green t-shirts worn by supporters at a hearing today, and the hiring of high-powered lobbyists?

I tried asking him that question at a press conference after he testified in front of Assembly members in midtown. Bloomberg’s answer was that he supports so many groups, some of his money may be involved in the pro-congestion pricing campaign. But not directly.

Here’s what he said:

“Personally, I don’t know. There’s a lot of groups and I support a lot of groups, but nothing specifically for this myself. There’s been plenty of people who have been willing to do it and I don’t think, I’ll have to check with my staff. I support 900 institutions in an average year, so I can’t tell you there aren’t some that have gotten some money, but not directly for this. Fundamentally, I don’t have to do it. There are an awful lot of people who are doing it.”

Such is the life of a billionaire philanthropist mayor.