Pia: Harness RP's renewable energy sources

Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Chairperson Senator Pia S. Cayetano has filed a measure seeking to develop and harness the country's renewable energy resources.

Cayetano has filed Senate Bill (SB) No.1711 or the "Renewable Energy Act of 2007" with the main objective of making the country self-sufficient in providing for its energy requirements.

Renewable energy resources include biomass, solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and ocean energy resources or hybrid systems.

The lady senator explained that by developing environment-friendly energy resources, the country would soon be able to reduce its dependence on imported sources of fuel which are found to be harmful to the environment.

She pointed out that fossil fuels, aside from being expensive, also contribute to global warming, as well as to air, water and soil pollution.

"At present, the Philippines remains highly dependent on non-renewable energy sources, mainly fossil fuel, to sustain its energy needs. Fossil fuel has been proven to emit greenhouse gases which contribute to global warming."

"On the other hand, renewable energy sources offer cleaner and better alternatives to fossil fuel. Renewable energy utilizes natural resources like sunlight, wind, tides and geothermal heat. These natural resources are naturally replenished," the Senator added. Under the bill, a Renewable Energy Bureau will be created under the Department of Energy to manage and administer renewable energy sources development.

The Bureau will be creating and implementing policies in the use and generation of renewable energy. It is also expected to work with other government agencies that include the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Board to ensure compliance with environmental standards of renewable energy producers.

SB 1711 also gives tax breaks and incentives to suppliers of equipment in the production of renewable energy in order to encourage participation of the private sector in renewable energy projects.