By Charissa Luci-Atienza The House Committee on Energy formed on Wednesday a technical working group that would “further study” and fine tune a bill which seeks the creation of a national policy to encourage the manufacture, importation, and utilization of electric vehicles (EVs) in the country. During its first virtual deliberation on House Bill No. 4075, the proposed “Electric Vehicle and Charging Stations Act,” House Energy Committee Chair and Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Jay Velasco said the measure is among the panel's “legislative priorities” in the 18th Congress. “The use of electric vehicles is one way of helping the government in its goal of promoting clean and renewable energy resources and technologies,” Velasco said. He said HB 4075, principally authored by Abra Rep. Joseph Bernos, also seeks to reduce our dependence on imported fuel. “It will allow the cost of transportation to go down as well as cut the carbon emissions from motor vehicles,” the House leader said. It was Ako Padayon Pilipino party-list Rep. Adriano Ebcas who moved for the creation of the TWG, which will be chaired by Bataan 2nd District Rep. Jose Enrique “Joet” Garcia III. In his sponsorship speech, Bernos asked his colleagues to support the immediate passage of his bill. “Senate Bill No. 1382, the consolidated bill on the matter is pending on second reading in the Senate. It is therefore imperative that we pass our own version to fast track the development of this industry and provide more opportunities to the people,” he said. He said that by passing the bill, Congress will reduce the country's dependence on imported fuel for the transport sector and carbon emissions that affect health and conduct of commerce in the country. HB 4075 mandates the creation of dedicated parking slots and construction of charging stations for electric vehicles in private and public buildings and structures, and the establishment of green routes in the local government units (LGUs) exclusive to EVs. “The bill also seeks to incentivize the EV industry and its usage through fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to spur purchase and ownership of the vehicles,” Bernos said. “These will include exemptions from payment of certain duties and fees, as well as prioritization in registration and franchise applications,” he added. The measure also seeks to establish an accreditation mechanism for all charging station service providers. “In the time of COVID-19 pandemic, we should rethink our strategies on how to go about the ‘new normal,’” Bernos said. “This must include using an effective and efficient way to go to places without necessarily hurting our environment,” he added. Various government agencies, including the Department of Energy (DOE), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Department of Transportation (DOTr) expressed support to the bill.