MODIFY OUR ENERGY USAGE - ANGARA

While US Congress mulls over on strategies to promote green-living, Senator Edgardo J. Angara today pressed on the Philippines' upfront policy regarding this environmental issue.

"The Renewable Energy (RE) Bill or Republic Act 9153 which was recently passed actively promotes the utilization and use of renewable energy as a step to protect and safeguard the dwindling natural resources of the country. This historic legislation by the US government shows the growing momentum within the international community for cleaner energy. Through it, the US seeks to cut its emissions by 17% by the year 2020. Meanwhile, the European Union has earlier called for getting 20 percent of all its electricity from renewable resources by the same year," said Angara, author of the RE bill.

"However, this bill is still currently being debated in the US Congress. Its defenders argued the bill would revive the battered US economy and create jobs. Its critics, on the other hand, warned the measure would send energy costs skyrocketing. Its fate now lies in the US Senate," he added.

To note, the American Clean Energy and Security Act establishes national limits on greenhouse gases, creates a complex trading system for emission permits, and provides incentives to individuals and corporations that make the switch to clean energy. It is also geared towards making renewable energy profitable and decrease America's dependence on foreign oil. It will spur the development of low-carbon sources of energy: wind, solar, geothermal and nuclear power, as well as cleaner coal.

"In the Philippines, we enforce this kind of advocacy through forums and conferences on developing technologies to promote renewable energy. These tasks are currently being spearheaded by the Commission on Science and Technology and Engineering (COMSTE)," added Angara.

Meanwhile, in a review of the country's energy plan, the Department of Energy noted earlier this year that the Philippines needs P1.42 trillion in investments in order to achieve energy self-sufficiency in the next five years.

"The future is in clean, renewable energy. The Philippines possesses abundant indigenous energy sources. It is only a question of investment. The capital costs may be higher for renewable energy, but environmental health and a sustainable future will more than repay the initial costs," he said.