Identification of Leaded Gasoline as a Major Source of Air Pollution
- Leaded gasoline is identified as one of the principal causes of air pollution, particularly in Metro Manila.
- The toxic effects of lead include neurological damage and reduced intelligence in humans.
- Lead acts as an additive in gasoline to prevent engine knocking and provide lubricity to engines with soft valves, necessitating formulation changes for unleaded alternatives.
Mandate to Phase Out Leaded Gasoline and Phase In Unleaded Alternatives
- DENR, in coordination with the Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Department of Finance (DOF), is mandated to phase out leaded gasoline.
- Deadline for Metro Manila: January 1, 2000; nationwide by January 1, 2001.
- Transition to unleaded gasoline and other suitable unleaded replacements must avoid aggravation of pollution or undue economic difficulties.
Standards and Quality Control for Unleaded Gasoline
- DENR, along with DOE, DTI, and Department of Science and Technology (DOST), shall establish and enforce quality standards for unleaded gasoline and related facilities.
- These standards cover manufacture, storage, handling, and distribution processes of unleaded fuels.
Measures to Control Emissions from Motor Vehicles
- DENR, with Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), DOE, DTI, and DOST, shall promote measures like inspection, maintenance, and use of motor vehicle emission control systems to reduce pollution.
Continuous Evaluation and Monitoring of Phase-Out Activities
- DENR, together with DOE, DOTC, DTI, and NGOs, shall continuously evaluate and monitor the phase-out process and its impacts on environment and public health.
Public Information Dissemination and Multi-Agency Collaboration
- DENR shall collaborate with the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and NGOs for comprehensive public awareness campaigns.
Testing and Health Impact Studies of Fuels and Additives
- Manufacturers and suppliers of fuel additives and motor vehicles must coordinate with DENR, DOE, DTI, Department of Health (DOH), and DOST to conduct tests/studies on public health effects (including carcinogenic, teratogenic, mutagenic effects).
- They must provide analytical techniques and information to detect additives’ concentrations, emissions from fuel use, impact on vehicle emission controls, and effect on public health or welfare.
Rulemaking and Regulatory Framework
- DENR shall promulgate appropriate implementing rules and regulations within six months, in coordination with relevant agencies and sectors (business, labor, civil society), aligned with Philippine Agenda 21 for sustainable development.
Effectivity of the Executive Order
- The Executive Order takes effect 30 days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation.
Role of the Government
- Ensures adequate and continuous fuel supply while preventing harmful levels of additives and contaminants to protect public health and environment.