Ramping up electrification of ferries and building more electric vehicle charging stations are among the steps called for in Governor Inslee’s new plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the state.
The focus on cleaner transportation is in sync with the Regional Transportation Plan, which includes a four-part strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the region.
The Governor’s plan promotes electric vehicles and ferries and seeks to make electric and zero-emission vehicle options more affordable and convenient for consumers.
Transportation is responsible for the single largest share of Washington’s greenhouse gas emissions.
The Governor’s budget proposal includes $350,000 for PSRC to study new passenger ferry service to better connect communities throughout the 12-county Puget Sound region.
The study would assess potential new routes, identify future terminal locations, and provide recommendations to accelerate the electrification of the ferry fleet.
The study would analyze potential routes and terminal locations on Puget Sound, Lake Washington and Lake Union. A report to the Legislature would be due by January 31, 2021.