— from Amy Scarton for WSDOT/Ferries Division —
I’m excited to announce that in honor of Earth Day, we launched a two-year Sustainability Action Plan this week that outlines goals and actions for greener ferries and terminals. It includes initiatives to protect orca whales, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, reduce waste, and other ways to make the ferry system more sustainable. The plan also lays out a path to fulfill WSDOT’s commitment to sustainability, achieve the goals set out in Governor Inslee’s Executive Orders 18-01 (energy efficiency) and 18-02 (orca recovery), and implement sustainability recommendations outlined in our 2040 Long Range Plan.
Community and stakeholder engagement is an important aspect of our Sustainability Action Plan to identify potential new focus areas, goals and actions.
Because we operate our 23 ferries on Puget Sound and manage 20 terminals on its shores, we have an obligation to ensure we’re doing everything we can to protect our environment. This plan lays out our commitment to tackle these issues and continue our efforts to make Washington’s ferry system the greenest in the world.
