Section 9January 12, 2007, Sec./Art. 9

Powers and Functions of the NBB. The NBB shall have the following powers and functions:

a) Monitor the implementation of, and evaluate for further expansion, the National Biofuel Program (NBP) prepares by the DOE pursuant to Section 7 (b) of this Act;

b) Monitor the supply and utilization of biofuels and biofuel-blends and recommend appropriate measures in cases of shortage of feedstock supply for approval of the Secretary of DOE. For this purpose:

1. The NBB is empowered to require all entities engaged in the production, blending and distribution of biofuels to submit reports of their actual and projected sales and inventory of biofuels, in a format to be prescribed for this purpose; and

2. The NBB shall determine availability of locally-sourced biofuels and recommend to DOE the appropriate level or percentage of locallysourced biofuels to the total annual volume of gasoline and diesel sold and distributed in the country.

c) Review and recommend to DOE the adjustment in the minimum mandated biofuel blends subject to the availability of locallysourced biofuels: Provided, That the minimum blend may be decreased only within the first four years from the effectivity of this Act. Thereafter, the minimum blends of the five percent (5%) and two percent (2%) for bioethanol and biodiesel respectively, shall not be decreased;

d) Recommend to DOE a program that will ensure the availability of alternative fuel technology for vehicles, engine and parts in consonance with the mandated minimum biofuel-blends, and to maximize the utilization of biofuels including other biofuels;

e) Recommend to DOE the use of biofuelblends in air transport taking into account safety and technical viability; and

f) Recommend specific actions to be executed by the DOE and other appropriate government agencies concerning the implementation of the NBP, including its economic, technical, environment, and social impact.