(Washington, DC) Transportation Director Dan Tangherlini has signed the DDOT Environmental Policy Statement, committing the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) to a culture of environmental excellence that not only surpasses compliance with legal requirements but achieves a positive DDOT environmental legacy. A 19-member DDOT Environmental Team is charged with implementing the policy through all DDOT personnel and divisions, DDOT’s contractors and subcontractors, District and federal agencies that interact with DDOT and DDOT’s relations with the public.

 

“We have the honor, the duty and pleasure to be good stewards of the transportation system of the nation’s capital and it is our obligation to improve the environment in all our activities,” said Director Tangherlini as he signed the document. And, referring to the breadth and scope of DDOT activities, he added: “This is a marathon and I look forward to running it with all of you.”

 

Director Tangherlini also pointed with particular pride to the planned switch early next year to electronic/paperless public space applications: “This will not only help save our beloved trees but also makes us more efficient.”

 

The DDOT program includes specific deadlines for all of DDOT’s divisions, including decreasing idling vehicles; using energy-saving street and traffic lights; increasing recycling and reuse of DDOT-generated solid waste; reviewing contract specifications to incorporate environmental requirements; examining internal transportation activities, such as vehicle purchase, use and parking policies; promoting bicycle and pedestrian safety; and encouraging greater transit use.

 

The Environmental Management System launched by DDOT is co-sponsored by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). Communications is also a key part of the environmental program. Written and electronic media will be used to inform all DDOT personnel of the policy and communicate with other District and federal agencies and the public.