The Port of Tacoma will phase out greenhouse gas emissions under its direct control by 2040, accelerating the target from 2050.<\/p>\n
The commission addressed Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gases, which represent direct emissions from Port-owned and operated buildings and vehicles, and electricity purchased for Port facilities.<\/p>\n
This contrasts with Scope 3 emissions, which are from sources not directly controlled by the port, such as cargo ships, drayage trucks, and facilities leased to private companies.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Strategies for port-controlled assets include buying electric vehicles, replacing natural gas in buildings with electricity, and purchasing renewable fuels to displace fossil fuels.<\/p>\n
The Port of Tacoma could also purchase offset credits for remaining emissions that can\u2019t be eliminated by other measures.<\/p>\n
Implementing the net zero policy will require several multi-million-dollar projects, like the Administration Building Electric Vehicle Charging Station project that the commission authorized in February.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The port\u2019s effort is part of the regional Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy for phasing out seaport-related emissions.<\/p>\n
It is also a managing member of the Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA), which manages container operations in both Tacoma and Seattle. The Port of Tacoma is working with the NWSA to reduce Scope 3 emissions through actions like the Husky Terminal Shore Power project and the South Intermodal Yard Electric Yard Tractor project.<\/p>\n