Update from Kate
GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE DISTRICT TAKES ACTION TO ADDRESS TRANSPORTATION IMPACTS ON CLIMATE
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From milder winters to longer, hotter, and dryer wildfire seasons, we know that climate change is not just real - it is here and it is impacting our day-to-day life. There are many efforts happening locally and regionally to respond to the effects of climate change, as well as initiatives to help mitigate the additional impact that our activities will continue to have on the environment. For example, the County's Drawdown: Marin initiative is focused on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and sequestering carbon, and BayWAVE aims to help our community adapt to sea level rise.
While there are many factors contributing to climate change, one of the largest contributors is transportation. With this in mind, the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway & Transportation District ("District") adopted a Climate Emergency Resolution in October 2019. In so doing, the District Board of Directors - on which I serve - acknowledged its commitment to providing high-quality, reliable, and sustainable transportation for Bay Area residents that encourages bicycling, walking, and transit as opposed to single-occupant vehicle usage in the Golden Gate corridor; and continuing to evaluate and implement ways to reduce GHG emissions in all of its operations:
- The District has a sustained record of implementing environmentally reflective practices and programs, including being active partners in the Zero Emission Bay Area hydrogen fuel cell bus demonstration program and early adoption of renewable fuels in its fleet operations.
- The District purchased and put into service 67 new hybrid-diesel buses as a step towards meeting the California Air Resources Board (CARB) 2050 zero-emissions mandate.
- The Ferry Division has, over the past five years, upgraded its entire ferry fleet with new engines that greatly reduce the discharge of pollutants, including Nitrogen Oxides (NOx).
- Along with other California ferry operators, the District is currently working collaboratively with CARB to develop attainable technologies and operating practices to further reduce ferry emissions.
- Staff have been working with bicycle advocates to make biking across the Bridge safer and more accessible as the popularity of e-bikes continues to bring more people biking to and across the Bridge.
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The District continues to implement internal programs and policies to reduce emissions and climate impact, such as installing more efficient roadway light bulbs, installing efficient heating and cooling systems, installing solar power generation at District facilities, and investigating ways to further reduce its carbon footprint through greening of the fleet and facilities operations.
In 2019, many cities and counties across the Bay Area adopted climate emergency resolutions that formalize their values and commitments to mitigating the climate crisis. Recent studies from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) also highlight the urgency of climate change measures, and call upon governments across the globe to step up their efforts in this arena.
By adopting a Climate Emergency Resolution, the District's Board of Directors recognized the immediacy of the global climate crisis and formalized its ongoing commitment to reducing the transportation sector's carbon footprint. Kudos to all!
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