Press Release
May 14, 2011

ANGARA CALLS ON GOV'T TO DEVELOP LONG TERM
STRATEGIC ENERGY PLAN

Senator Edgardo J. Angara said that the government needs to develop a long term strategic energy plan that goes beyond handouts and stop gap measures.

Angara, Chair of Congressional Commission on Science Technology and Engineering (COMSTE) said that a coherent plan that recognizes the potential of clean, renewable energy (RE) to supply cheaper power is necessary, so that the Department of Energy (DOE) can focus efforts to expand energy supply beyond fossil fuels.

He added that the volatile, unpredictable nature of fossil fuel prices will leave the country dependent and vulnerable, adding that the government needs to have the foresight to see beyond current energy sources like coal.

While coal remains the cheapest source of energy, it is a major pollutant, he said. RE sources like wind, geothermal, solar and biofuels vast potential, and it would be wrong not to invest in these solutions.

"The world continues to move away from coal into renewables, while the Philippines is left with an undeveloped platform for alternative energy. The government needs to move swiftly and aggressively to secure our energy supply," said Angara.

Angara said that collaborating with countries with advanced technology and experience with RE would present new avenues for the development.

Plotting a technology driven roadmap would lead to investing in RE and green transport initiatives, like what is happening in advanced countries around the world, he added.

Angara noted a Bloomberg report stated that in 2009 governments around the world committed $188 billion in stimulus packages for RE, with over 100 countries having some form of policy to promote RE.

He noticed an increased presence in the media from both sides of the RE fence, stating that, "it is good that both sides are presenting their views so that the public can see the benefits of RE supplementing existing energy sources, and eventually becoming the mainstay energy source of the country."

Angara, author of the Renewable Energy Act of 2008, which encourages local entrepreneurs to go into the development of the country's vast renewable energy resources, noted news that the State of California has recently mandated that 33 percent of the state's energy must be sourced from RE by 2020.

He added that this legislation recognizes the benefits of using RE and at the same time the creation of new 'green' jobs from the industry. He said that COMSTE has been urging the government to make more aggressive moves in support of the RE industry as well as supporting local manufacturers of electric and hybrid vehicles.

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