Washington

Washington is home to one of the largest port systems in North America, anchored by the Northwest Seaport Alliance. While maritime trade powers the state’s economy, it also generates significant air and climate pollution that harms port workers and nearby communities.

Pacific Environment is organizing in Washington state alongside frontline communities, labor and public health leaders to advance zero-emission solutions that protect workers, clean the air and accelerate the state’s maritime transition.

Building a zero-emission maritime future in Washington

From electrifying ships at berth to investing in clean port infrastructure, we work across Washington state to reduce pollution at its source. Our approach centers environmental justice, ensuring climate investments reach the communities most impacted by port operations while supporting high-quality union jobs in the transition to a cleaner economy.

Key areas of work

  • Shore power expansion

    Advancing statewide policies and port commitments that require ocean-going vessels to plug into clean electricity while docked — eliminating diesel pollution at berth and protecting port-side communities.

  • Climate investments for port communities

    Ensuring revenues from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act are directed toward port electrification, community health protections and zero-emission infrastructure.

  • Zero-emission port transformation

    Supporting long-term strategies to electrify cargo-handling equipment, transition harbor craft and accelerate the decarbonization of Washington’s maritime sector.

Featured webinar

Methane-based fuels such as liquified natural gas (LNG), renewable natural gas (RNG) and e-methane are increasingly being considered as lower-emission alternatives for the maritime industry. In this webinar hosted by Pacific Environment, experts from Maritime Beyond Methane, Stand.earth and 350 Tacoma explore the environmental, climate and community impacts of these fuels, including methane emissions, environmental justice concerns and what their expansion could mean for Washington communities and the future of clean shipping.

Our latest work in Washington

Explore our work across Washington, where we’re partnering with communities and decision-makers to cut ship pollution, strengthen climate policy and build a healthier maritime economy.

Join the movement

Sign up for updates and take action to advance clean air and zero-emission solutions in Washington’s port communities. Together, we can transform the state’s maritime sector into a model for climate leadership and environmental justice.

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