Section 9. Airsheds. —

Pursuant to Section 8 of this Act, the designation of airsheds shall be on the basis of, but not limited to, areas with similar climate, meteorology and topology which affect the interchange and diffusion of pollutants in the atmosphere, or areas which share common interest or face similar development programs, prospects or problems.

For a more effective air quality management, a system of planning and coordination shall be established and a common action plan shall be formulated for each airshed.

To effectively carry out the formulated action plans, a Governing Board is hereby created, hereinafter referred to as the Board.

The Board shall be headed by the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources as chairman. The members shall be as follows:

1. Provincial Governors from areas belonging to the airshed;

2. City/Municipal Mayors from areas belonging to the airshed;

3. A representative from each concerned government agency;

4. Representatives from people's organizations;

5. Representatives from nongovernment organizations; and

6. Representatives from the private sector.

The Board shall perform the following functions:

1. Formulation of policies;

2. Preparation of a common action plan;

3. Coordination of functions among its members; and

4. Submission and publication of an annual Air Quality Status Report for each airshed.

Upon consultation with appropriate local government authorities, the Department shall, from time to time, revise the designation of airsheds utilizing eco-profiling techniques and undertaking scientific studies.

Emissions trading may be allowed among pollution sources within an airshed.