California’s Cap and Trade Dollars At Work
(THOUSAND PALMS, CA)— Today, newest California Air Resource Board Member, Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella) presented a $12.5 million check to SunLine Transit Agency. This money was awarded to the agency through a California Climate Investments grant for five new zero-emission fuel cell buses.
SunLine Transit Agency will also be able to utilize this grant to support the development of the largest hydrogen fueling station in the U.S., of its kind which will generate clean hydrogen from electricity and renewable energy.
“I proudly commend SunLine Transit Agency’s innovative tenacity. Many people don’t realize that we have this type of globally recognized, cutting edge technology produced right in our backyard. SunLine’s efforts help lead our state to meet its greenhouse gas reduction goals and create high skilled jobs,” exclaimed Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia.
“This is what California climate leadership looks like and we are not stopping here. In order for California to remain an economic and environmental leader we must continue to support the public policy that drives these types of investments.”
“We are honored to be the recipient of this pilot project that will deploy new zero-emission buses for our community and allow us to upgrade our existing hydrogen infrastructure for fueling the proposed fuel cell fleet as well as public use,” said Lauren Skiver, CEO/General Manager of SunLine Transit Agency. “SunLine has a longstanding commitment to the environment with our clean fuels fleet – which helps us do our part to ensure our natural resources are preserved for future generations.”
This grant opportunity utilizes cap and trade program dollars to further our state’s significant strides to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while serving disadvantaged communities most affected by pollution.
About California Climate Investments: The $12.5 million grant award is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of cap-and-trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy and improving public health and the environment—particularly in disadvantaged communities. The cap-and-trade program also creates a financial incentive for industries to invest in clean technologies and develop innovative ways to reduce pollution.
California Climate Investment projects include affordable housing, renewable energy, public transportation, zero-emission vehicles, environmental restoration, more sustainable agriculture, recycling and much more. At least 35 percent of these investments are made in disadvantaged and low-income communities. For more information, visit http://www.caclimateinvestments.ca.gov
About SunLine Transit Agency: SunLine Transit Agency is a joint powers authority formed in 1977 to operate the Coachella Valley’s public transportation system. SunLine offers fixed route bus service and curb-to-curb paratransit for the mobility impaired. Its fixed route and paratransit vehicles travel more than 4 million miles per year, covering over 619 bus stops located throughout a 1,120 mile-service area, carrying approximately 4.82 million riders. SunLine Services Group regulates three taxi franchises who provide taxi services throughout the Valley. SunFuels alternative fueling station offers compressed natural gas and hydrogen for SunLine and the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information, go to www.sunline.org.
Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella) serves as the chairperson of the Assembly Committee on Water, Parks and Wildlife. He represents the 56th district, which comprises the cities and communities of Blythe, Brawley, Bermuda Dunes, Calexico, Calipatria, Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, El Centro, Holtville, Imperial, Indio, Mecca, Oasis, North Shore, Salton Sea, Thermal, Thousand Palms, and Westmorland.
