Sun Line Transit Agency has secured $500,000 in funding from Congressman Raul Ruiz and Senator Alex Padilla to bolster its energy independence efforts. The agency plans to utilize this funding to establish a solar microgrid infrastructure in Thousand Palms. This microgrid will play a crucial role in gathering, storing, and disbursing solar energy to effectively operate hydrogen-powered buses. By transitioning to hydrogen fuel, the agency aims to lower harmful emissions, ultimately contributing to the enhancement of air quality within the Coachella Valley. Additionally, Sun Line Transit Agency intends to fortify its bus network, a move designed to combat prevalent diseases such as asthma and COPD that are worsened by the high pollution levels in the region. This initiative stands as a significant step towards promoting sustainable public transportation and mitigating the environmental impact of traditional bus systems.