BILL REQ. #:  S-3798.1 

Read first time 01/23/14.   Referred to Committee on Transportation.

     AN ACT Relating to the reduction of greenhouse gas and particulate emissions by state ferry vessels; adding a new section to chapter 47.60 RCW; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   It is the intent of the legislature that the Washington state ferry system is operated in a cost-efficient, safe, and responsible manner. The Washington state ferry system used on average over seventeen million gallons of diesel fuel in each fiscal year for 2011, 2012, and 2013, releasing over one hundred eighty-six thousand tons of emissions each year. The average fuel cost for the ferry system during the same time period was over fifty-nine million dollars per year.
     A study conducted by the department of transportation in 2013 identified actions that could save thirteen million dollars per year in fuel costs, while also reducing emissions from state ferry vessels by more than twenty-seven thousand tons. While some of these actions are being implemented, the legislature recognizes there are more opportunities for cost savings and emissions reduction within the ferry system and supports the department in researching and implementing additional fuel saving and emissions reduction strategies.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 47.60 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) Beginning September 1, 2014, and annually thereafter, the department must report to the legislature the annual amount of greenhouse gases, as defined in RCW 70.235.010, and particulate matter released by the operation of state ferry vessels. The first report must be for fiscal year 2013.
     (2) By June 1, 2016, the department must reduce the average greenhouse gas and particulate emissions from the state ferry vessel fleet by five percent over levels reported for fiscal year 2013.
     (3) By June 1, 2018, the department must reduce the average greenhouse gas and particulate emissions from the state ferry vessel fleet by fifteen percent over levels reported for fiscal year 2013.
     (4) By June 1, 2020, the department must reduce the average greenhouse gas and particulate emissions from the state ferry vessel fleet by twenty percent over levels reported for fiscal year 2013.
     (5) The actions of the department must be consistent with and conducive towards meeting the statewide greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets and other related requirements as stated in RCW 70.235.050 and 43.19.648.
     (6) The department must provide an implementation plan to the transportation committees of the legislature by December 31, 2014, that identifies the steps needed to meet or exceed the emissions reduction requirements in this section. The implementation plan must include specific capital investments and changes to operations and must also identify associated costs, benefits, and timing of implementation by item.