In honor of Earth Day, Washington State Ferries launched a two-year Sustainability Action Plan this week, which outlines goals and actions for greener ferries and terminals.

The plan 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 addresses some of the toughest challenges facing the ferry system,” the WSF announcement noted. “WSF is the largest consumer of diesel fuel in Washington state, burning more than 18 million gallons each year, and its operations generate the most carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions within the state transportation system. The plan lays out actions to go beyond carbon dioxide emissions reduction requirements under state law.”

WSF said it is already helping protect Puget Sound’s orca whale population by slowing down ferries on some routes to reduce underwater noise, stopping work at terminal construction sites if marine mammals are in the vicinity, reducing speed or changing course if the crew spots whales near a ferry, and reporting orca sightings to local partners such as the Orca Network.

“Because we operate our 23 ferries on Puget Sound and manage 20 terminals on its shores, we have an obligation to ensure WSF is doing everything we can to protect our environment,” said WSF Assistant Secretary Amy Scarton. “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.”

The Sustainability Action Plan presents six focus areas: greenhouse gas emissions, air quality, biodiversity, water, waste, and community impacts and engagement. In addition to plans to remove dangerous creosote-coated timber from Puget Sound, develop an electric hybrid ferry program and implement operational efficiencies to reduce fuel consumption, the plan focuses on gathering data and establishing a baseline in the first two years to continue to make data-driven progress in the years to come.