Washington State Ferries, owned and operated by the Washington State Department of Transportation, is the largest ferry service in the United States and the third largest in the world. Thanks in part to an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) investment from EERE, the ferries now run on a blended biodiesel fuel that will prevent more than 29,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide from being emitted into the environment each year, which is the equivalent of taking more than 6,000 passenger vehicles off the road. Each year, 22 ferries transport 11 million passengers across Puget Sound—consuming 18 million gallons of fuel in the process. EERE's investment paid for a blending system that combines biodiesel with conventional petroleum-based diesel.

The Weatherization and Intergovernmental Programs Office (WIPO) provides funding and technical assistance to its partners in state and local governments, Indian tribes, and international agencies to facilitate the adoption of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.

The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) success stories highlight the positive impact of its work with businesses, industry partners, universities, research labs, and other entities.

Positive Impact

Cleaner fuel for ferries in Washington state. Washington State Ferries now uses blended biodiesel to run its ferries, preventing the emission of more than 29,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year.

Locations

Washington

Partner

Washington State Ferries

EERE Investment

$165,000

Clean Energy Sector

Sustainable transportation