IN a joint hearing on Thursday, the House Special Committee on Nuclear Energy and the Committee on Energy approved House Bill (HB) 8218, or the proposed “Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act.”
The bill seeks to establish the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM), as well as provide for a comprehensive legal framework for radiation protection, nuclear security, safety, and safeguards, and physical safety in the peaceful utilization of nuclear energy in the country.
To ensure that environmental concerns are addressed while harnessing nuclear energy, the joint panel agreed to include a provision requiring the collection of universal charge (UC), to be collected from electricity end-users.
The UC, which would not exceed P0.005/kWh, would be imposed for a maximum of 10 years from the effectivity of the law.
The joint meeting was jointly presided by Nuclear Energy panel chairperson Pangasinan Rep. Mark Cojuangco and Energy panel vice chairperson Camarines Sur Rep. Arnie Fuentebella.
