Aug 13 | 2021
Initiatives Part of Pacific Northwest Port’s Strategic Plan
Port of Vancouver USA’s Board of Commissioners authorized CEO Julianna Marler to develop and implement a Climate Action Plan, or CAP, based on initiatives presented in the board of commissioners at its July meeting.
The plan will provide direction for port staff to implement actions that support the effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, or GHG, derived from port activities.
Commissioners identified developing a CAP in its strategic plan, in its effort to protect air quality through deliberate and proactive efforts in all aspects of port operations.
The port has identified specific actions to reduce GHG emissions. Work involves establishing a current GHG inventory, conducting a “robust” public engagement process, collecting and evaluating data, and determining reduction actions that align with federal and state goals.
“The Climate Action Plan is one more step in the port’s continuing commitment to environmental stewardship,” Marler said. “We believe we have actions that will achieve positive results and are looking forward to implementing some of these actions next year.”
The GHG reduction actions and corresponding implementation strategy will provide information for port staff to propose budget items to support reduction goals. Commissioners will consider and take action on these budget items as part of the annual budget process.
The framework and initiatives of the plan were presented to the commissioners during workshops, and the CAP document was finalized and released to the public earlier this summer. The port said the plan is intended to be dynamic and adapt as science, technology and port operations change over time.
In 2020, the port hired a consultant team to assist with the development of the Climate Action Plan. Consultants from the firms Ramboll, WSP USA and Fehr & Peers, are experts in the fields of climate change analysis and planning, public involvement and transportation.
More information about the port’s Climate Action Plan is available.
The Port of Vancouver USA has for more than a decade been working on sustainability initiatives through its WE CAN! Sustainability Program.
