Transportation is the single largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the state. Transportation is projected to account for 47% of the state greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory in 2020 – and that’s not all coming from semi-trucks and trailers. Light duty vehicles like those we drive everyday (cars, pick-up trucks, sport utility vehicles, and vans) are estimated to make up half of those emissions, according to one source at the Department of Ecology. Supportive transportation policies are in place to reduce emissions through an emphasis on transportation demand management, and more recently, the use of clean fuels and hybrid vehicles.
Environmental impacts associated with transportation are particularly acute as related to GHG production, and water pollution (hydrocarbons and heavy metal deposits in surface water and receiving waters). Awareness of this problem has already led to efforts across the state to minimize and reduce impacts. For example, vegetation management practices along highways to reduce herbicide use, structural features such as infiltration ponds and wide grass swales, and regular maintenance to clear highways of sand, litter and debris all help to control and manage the harmful effects of stormwater runoff.
(Taken from The Washington Transportation Plan's blog: http://wtp2030.wordpress.com/2010/10/12/the-environmental-impact-of-transportation/)
This weekly blog will describe the environmental impacts of transportation as they relate to water, land, and air.
