The NWPCAS is a voluntary strategy. In the 2020 NWPCAS, participating Ports set an aspirational vision and objectives to phase out emissions from seaport-related activities by 2050. The Ports may advocate for regulatory changes that advance the NWPCAS vision and objectives. The Ports may also take actions to change port tariffs or policies as a means to achieve the NWPCAS commitments. However, without additional changes in policy or regulation, the participating Ports and port-related industries are not legally required to meet the NWPCAS commitments. In the past, the Northwest Ports have advocated for regulatory changes to help achieve NWPCAS emission reduction goals, like the implementation of the North America Emissions Control Area (ECA). The 2020 NWPCAS discusses the role of government policy and investment in the success of the zero-emission transition (Section 4.2). A combination of enabling policies and investments are needed to support zero-emission infrastructure development and to improve the cost-competitiveness of zero-emissions operations.
