Update: Copy of the signed 2006 Philippine Biofuels Bill can be found here
Was looking at the Draft of the Biofuels Bill of 2006 and saw some very interesting stuff:
With regards to the directional policy of the bill
It is hereby declared the policy of the State to reduce dependence on imported fuels with due regard to the protection of public health, the environment, and natural ecosystems consistent with the country’s sustainable economic growth that would expand opportunities for livelihood by mandating the use of biofuels as a measure to:
a)develop and utilize indigenous renewable and sustainably-sourced clean energy sources to reduce dependence on imported oil;
b)mitigate toxic and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions;
c)increase rural employment and income; and
d)ensure the availability of alternative and renewable clean energy without any detriment to the natural ecosystem, biodiversity and food reserves of the country.
On the phasing out of harmful gasoline additives:
Phasing Out of the Use of Harmful Gasoline Additives and/or Oxygenates. – Within six months from the effectivity of this Act, the DOE, according to duly accepted international standards, shall gradually phase out the use of harmful gasoline additives such as, but not limited to, methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE).
An import provision of the bill states that the mixing of biofuels in our nations fuel supply will be mandatory:
Category: LawPursuant to the above policy, it is hereby enacted that all liquid fuels for motors and engines sold in the Philippines shall contain locally-sourced biofuels components as follows:
5.1 Within two (2) years from the effectivity of this Act, at least five percent (5%) bioethanol shall comprise the annual total volume of gasoline fuel actually sold and distributed by each and every oil company in the country, subject to the requirement that all bioethanol blended gasoline shall contain a minimum of five percent (5%) bioethanol fuel by volume: Provided, That the ethanol blend conforms to PNS.
5.2 Within four (4) years from the effectivity of this Act, the NBB created under this Act is empowered to determine the feasibility and thereafter recommend to DOE to mandate a minimum of ten (10%) percent blend of bioethanol by volume into all gasoline fuel distributed and sold by each and every oil company in the country.
In the event of supply shortage of locally-produced bioethanol during the four-year period, oil companies shall be allowed to import bioethanol but only to the extent of the shortage as may be determined by the NBB.
5.3 In lieu of the effectivity of this Act, immediately within three (3) months upon the signing which shall be promulgated upon the approval of this Act of the IRR, a minimum of one percent (1%) biodiesel by volume shall be blended into all diesel engine fuels sold in the country: Provided, That the biodiesel blend conforms to PNS for biodiesel.
Within two (2) years from effectivity of this Act, the NBB created under this Act is empowered to determine the feasibility and thereafter recommend to DOE to mandate a total of two percent (2%) blend of biodiesel by volume subject to domestic supply and availability of locally-sourced biodiesel component.
January 27th, 2007 at 11:00 pm
[…] The passing of the Philippine Biofuels Bill into a Law by the Senate and Congress… then the revised Bill finally being approved in the ensuing bicameral committee formed to reconcile both Senate and Congress version… what? you did ask… *snicker* […]