Recently the US Congress narrowly passed the landmark “American Clean Energy and Security Act.” The bill 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. The bill was sharply debated in 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.

When US President Barack Obama was sworn into office, he was determined to remodel the US energy policy. He pledged to promote new-era “ green jobs” that reduce energy use and global warming emissions – jobs dedicated to creating alternative fuels, windmills and solar panels, and building energy efficient systems and appliances. His aim is to reduce dependence on foreign oil, a goal in which his predecessors have failed.

The Climate Change Bill, he said, will make 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.

This historic legislation shows the growing momentum within the international community for cleaner energy. Through it, the US seeks to cut its emissions by 17 percent 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.

In a review of the country’s energy plan, our Department of Energy noted earlier this year that the Philippines needs R1.42 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.

Email: edgardo_angara@hotmail.com Website: www.edangara.com