Gov. Jay Inslee made waves this week, showcasing his administration's commitment to sustainable transportation and energy on his visit to the San Juan islands. Inslee's itinerary included a discussion with the big players in Washington’s ferry system on the pressing issue of boosting ferry services for island communities, a statement from the governor's website reported.
In a move to increase reliability, the state has sped up the integration of relief crewmembers thanks to partnerships with private companies. This collaborative effort has brought steadier interisland service to the residents ferried among the San Juans, as officials discussed. It’s clear that the state is not just looking at the now, but also casting its sails towards future horizons, earmarking funds for two new electric ferry boats set to launch in 2028 under the Climate Commitment Act (CCA).
Discussing the nitty-gritty details of the state's investment in greener tech, Steve Nevey, the new assistant secretary for Washington’s ferry system, pointed out the snags in opting for diesel power. "People think we can just pull the plans off the shelf for the last vessels," Nevey told the governor's website. He mentioned that a revamp to diesel would be akin to a step backwards, given many component manufacturers have since shut down, leaving the design board blank.
The future fleet will thus hum with electric energy rather than cough up diesel fumes, aligning with Washington's vision for a cleaner commute. These vessels, supported by the CCA's funding for charging infrastructure at 16 state ferry docks, represent a pivot from past practices. The state's ambition doesn’t end there; a historic shift is expected this fall when the first retrofitted hybrid electric boat sets sail among the emerald waves. It's a signal that Washington's iconic green and white vessels are navigating away from the fossil fuels era.
Inslee's focus on sustainability extended beyond the ferry docks to the San Juan County fairgrounds, where he, in a show of support, toured the solar-powered facilities. Brandon Andrews, the parks and chief fair director, exhibited the renewable energy success as the governor schmoozed with OPALCO executives discussing a community solar array project near the fairgrounds. This initiative, as the governor's website highlighted, is poised to enhance the islands’ energy resilience. Whether on the water or on land, Washington is setting a sustainable course, with Inslee at the helm steering the Evergreen State towards a greener future.
